Deciding to get married is an important step in a person's life.
Marriage is a legal state.
The family court protects the institution of marriage.
Like any other things, marriage has laws that apply to legal consequences.
Some of the important things are to be considered before and after the marriage.
Once a couple is legally married, there is much legality that should be finished.
First is changing the name.
Once married the wife has to change her surname to that of her husband's name.
This custom is popular but it is not a legal requirement of marriage.
Many women nowadays, keep their surnames and hyphenate their husband's name.
This is a personal choice.
If one chooses to hyphenate her husband's name, it may lead to discussions later on regarding children names.
So, this decision may be important both in legal and family matters.
Also, remember to change your name in all the official documents like the driver's license, bank book and passport.
Personal will is probably the important issue and needs to be addressed after marriage.
If one is married and dies unexpectedly without a will, the spouse will inherit all the property, and any will made previous to marriage will not apply.
After marriage health and welfare benefits are also affected.
If any of these benefits are received then you must advise various agencies if you marry.
Contact the agencies before the wedding to determine the responsibilities if your benefits change.
All these legalities of marriage are supposed to be finished as soon the marriage is over.
Name change, joint bank accounts and insurance policies should be finished soon or it may lead to problems.
Name can be changed in any social security office.
They may request your name and ask for proof that is the marriage certificate.
License and car titles can be changed at the DMV in most states.
Car license takes one to two weeks to come back after it has been filed.
There is no time limit for name changing and bank accounts.
A newly married woman can keep her own last name for years and then change it to her husband's name if she wants.
But check for the expiration of the marriage license.
Legal issues are very important as f you don't pay attention to them you may lose a lot.
If your passport or license etc has expired you could end up in a lot of trouble with the law.
Marriage or any other legality should be looked into at once and then you can relax.