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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 New Jersey, marriage is recognized as a legal union between two individuals, which grants them certain rights and responsibilities as defined by state statutes. These laws are typically found in the state's family code. The marriage contract automatically bestows upon the spouses a variety of legal rights and duties concerning property, inheritance, and other matters. Couples have the option to alter or expand upon these default rules by entering into a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, which can address property division, spousal support, and other issues in the event of a separation or divorce. While marriage is intended to be a lifelong commitment, New Jersey law provides mechanisms for legal separation or divorce, allowing the marriage to be dissolved before the death of either spouse. The process for divorce includes equitable distribution of marital property, and if applicable, alimony, child support, and child custody determinations.

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State Statutes

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

New-Jersey State Code

New-Jersey State Code

Marriage

Articles