The Complete Marriage Paperwork Checklist
While marriage is a beautiful thing, there is a whole lot of paperwork that goes on in the background before and after a wedding takes place, which is not as easy or beautiful. To ensure that you don’t run into problems and that your marriage is recognized by the state and legalized, there are certain steps that you have to take. For this, we have created a marriage checklist, which can help you keep track of each and every step.
Even though your mind might be on things like the wedding script for your wedding ceremony, it is vital that also consider things like your marriage license, and certain other legalities as you get married. The following tips will give a picture of the things that need to be done; you can also seek further clarification from a family law attorney to be sure. So, before receiving your cute wedding blessings on your big day, be sure to have your documentation intact and completed, for a signed, sealed and delivered union in the eyes of the law.
Marriage paperwork checklist
While the legal requirements for getting married are generally the same in the country, they vary slightly in every state. So, it is necessary to confirm the details with your state when figuring out the steps to getting married. Some of these steps in the getting married checklist will include things like blood tests, residency requirements, marriage licenses and more.
The Marriage Ceremony
Some states have requirements on who can perform the marriage ceremony and whether there needs to be a witness. In most cases, the ceremony can be performed by a minister or a justice of the peace.
Prenuptial Agreements
Some couples decide to have a pre-marital or prenuptial agreement included in their marriage paperwork. This will have to be figured out before the wedding. A prenuptial agreement specifies the financial and property rights and obligations of the couple if the marriage relationship should end.
Marriage License
The marriage license can usually be obtained at the town clerk’s office or local marriage license office of the county where you intend to get married.
This can be confirmed from a family law office or the city clerk as it varies from state to state.
- ID Requirements: A valid driver’s license along with your social security number is usually sufficient. For a non-citizen, you would need a translated and certified copy of your birth certificate and your passport.
- Previous Marriages: If you have been married before, you would need to show documentation. That might include final divorce papers or a death certificate on how the marriage ended.
If you’re wondering what to do with marriage license after the wedding, please keep in mind that it would need to be filed at the appropriate county office after the wedding. This task is usually handled by the wedding officiant.
Change of Name After Marriage
In the process of getting married, some spouses decide on changing their name for symbolic or customary reasons. There is also some legal paperwork to carry out in effecting this change. Below is a simple name change after marriage checklist.
- Get a new social security card with your new name
To do this you will have to fill out and print the application for a new social security card. The next step is to take a certified copy of your marriage certificate along with proof of citizenship, like your birth certificate, and either mail it all or take to the Social Security office.
- Update your driver’s license
After getting your new Social Security card, you would need to update your driver’s license. Just take your current driver’s license along with your marriage certificate, birth certificate, and new Social Security card to the local DMV. Fill the required forms and pay the fee.
- Other documents to update
Other documents and agencies you would need to update with your new information include your passport, the bank, post office, and utilities.
You would have to inform your employer as well. Especially if the name change and change of status could affect your work benefits and insurance plan.
Property and Finances
Certain finances and property ownership would need to be figured out before marriage. While this is not compulsory, it would definitely help to figure our previous debts, mortgages, and taxes. And, to what extent certain specific finances or accounts will be combined with those of your spouse.
A marriage is definitely a beautiful union, but it is also a legal one. And this is why in the process of getting married, it is important to figure out how to get legally married and what to do after you get married. This is why a marriage checklist on all the steps you need to take before marriage and the documents to change after getting married, can be quite helpful.