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 Vermont, marriage is legally recognized as a union between two people, which grants them certain rights and responsibilities as defined by state statutes. Vermont law outlines the requirements for entering into a marriage, including age, consent, and the prohibition of bigamy and incestuous marriages. Couples may choose to create prenuptial or postnuptial agreements to establish their own terms regarding assets, property, and other matters in the event of a separation or divorce. While marriage is intended to be a lifelong commitment, Vermont law also provides legal processes for separation and divorce, allowing the dissolution of the marriage under certain conditions. These processes are governed by Vermont's family law statutes, which address issues such as alimony, child support, and the division of marital property.