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Marriage

Marriage—also known as matrimony or wedlock—is the legal and cultural process by which two people join their separate lives as one. The contractual rights and obligations of the parties to a marriage are generally defined by the state, as provided in the state’s statutes (often in the family code), unless otherwise agreed by the parties in a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. Marriage is intended to last until death, but is often terminated sooner by separation or divorce.

In California, marriage is recognized as a legal union between two individuals, which is regulated under the state's Family Code. The rights and obligations of the married parties are defined by these statutes, which cover aspects such as property division, spousal support, and the responsibilities of each spouse. Couples have the option to create prenuptial or postnuptial agreements that can alter the default legal provisions by specifying different terms regarding their assets and rights. While marriage is intended to be a lifelong commitment, it can be dissolved through legal separation or divorce. In such cases, California's no-fault divorce laws allow a marriage to be ended without the need to prove wrongdoing by either party. The state also requires an equitable division of marital property and provides guidelines for spousal support and child custody, should there be children involved.

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Marriage

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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California State Code

California State Code

Marriage

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