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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 Michigan, marriage is recognized as a legal union between two people, which is intended to merge their lives both legally and culturally. The rights and obligations of the married parties are primarily governed by Michigan state law, which can be found in the state's statutes, including those related to family law. These laws outline the legal requirements for entering into a marriage, such as age, consent, and the prohibition of bigamy. Additionally, Michigan allows for the creation of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, which are contracts that can alter or specify the terms of the marriage regarding property and financial rights. While marriage is intended to be a lifelong commitment, the state provides legal mechanisms for separation or divorce, allowing the dissolution of the marriage under certain conditions. The divorce process in Michigan is governed by specific statutes and typically involves the division of marital property, alimony, child custody, and support, if applicable.

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annulment of marriage

bigamy breach of promise to marry

common law or informal covenant marriage

domestic violence dower and curtesy

engagement rings

marriage license and certificate

name change

partition or exchange agreement postnuptial agreement prenuptial agreement

rights, responsibilities, liabilities

same - sex marriage

transmutation agreement

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Marriage

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Michigan State Code

Marriage

Michigan State Code

Articles