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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 Rhode Island, marriage is recognized as a legal union between two individuals, which confers upon them certain rights, responsibilities, and obligations as defined by state law. The state's statutes outline the legal requirements for entering into a marriage, such as obtaining a marriage license, the minimum age for marriage, and the need for a solemnization ceremony. Rhode Island law also allows for prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, which are contracts entered into by the marrying parties to predetermine the division of assets and financial arrangements in the event of a divorce or death. While marriage is intended to be a lifelong commitment, Rhode Island law provides mechanisms for legal separation and divorce, allowing couples to dissolve their marriage under certain conditions. The process for divorce includes the equitable distribution of marital property, determination of alimony, and if applicable, child custody and support.

Legal Articles

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

Rhode-Island State Code

Rhode-Island State Code

Marriage

Articles