Marriage Forms and Resources
Getting married essentially constitutes a contract, and like any other legal contract, it requires certain written and signed documentation. There are no shortage of legal documents (and legal ramifications) involved in tying the knot. Some forms will require witnesses or attorneys, others will not. And for some couples, getting married will be as easy as a trip to the county clerk's office and take an oath. But not everyone will take it so easily. Below FindLaw has a host of forms and resources related to marriage -- including sample and state-specific prenuptial agreements, documents to bring to a meeting with an attorney, and more. These links should make getting ready to get married a piece of (wedding) cake.
- Marriage License Requirements
The marriage license is the first step toward getting married from a legal perspective. Find out why marriage licenses are important, and the requirements that couples in different states must meet before obtaining one.
- Checklist: Documents to Show Your Attorney
If you speak to a family law attorney before getting married, you'll need to have lots of helpful information on hand. This document checklist will help you get the most out of your consultation.
- Attorney Intake Form for Marriage
Learn what to expect when you meet with your attorney before getting married by taking a look at this helpful form, available to print and download.
- Checklist: Documents that Establish a Common Law Marriage
Not every state recognizes common law marriage, but if you live in a state that does, you may have to prove that you're married in court. This checklist has all of the documents that could help you prove your marriage.
- Sample Financial Statement
Take a look at this sample financial statement to better review you and your partners debts and liabilities before getting married -- a crucial step that could help you avoid conflict later on in the marriage.
- Sample Prenuptial Agreement
Curious about what a prenuptial agreement entails? Take a look at this sample premarital agreement to get an idea of the kinds of things prenuptials can contain.