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 Colorado, marriage is recognized as a legal union between two individuals, which grants them certain rights and obligations as defined by state law, typically found in the Colorado Revised Statutes under Title 14 (Family Law). The state allows for prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, which are contracts entered into before or after marriage, respectively, that can alter or specify the terms of the marital relationship, particularly regarding property and financial matters. While marriage is intended to be a lifelong commitment, Colorado law provides for the dissolution of marriage through legal separation or divorce, which can be initiated by either party when the marriage is irretrievably broken. The process for divorce includes the equitable division of marital property, determination of maintenance (alimony), and if applicable, child custody and support.