What if I Get Married Without a License?
My heart sank when I realized I had misplaced our marriage license. We were supposed to be getting married in a week, and I couldn’t believe I had lost it. I frantically searched everywhere, but it was nowhere to be found.
As the panic set in, I couldn’t help but wonder, “What happens if we get married without a license?” I had always assumed that a marriage license was essential for a legal marriage, but now I was starting to doubt that.
The Importance of a Marriage License
A marriage license is a legal document that gives the state permission to recognize your marriage. It’s proof that you’ve met the legal requirements for marriage, such as being of legal age, not being closely related, and not being already married.
Without a marriage license, your marriage may not be legally recognized by the state. This can have serious consequences, such as:
- Your marriage may not be valid for legal purposes, such as filing taxes jointly or making medical decisions for your spouse.
- You may not be entitled to certain legal protections, such as spousal support or inheritance rights.
- Your children may not be considered legitimate, which could affect their legal rights and inheritance.
What Happens if You Get Married Without a License?
In most states, getting married without a license is a misdemeanor offense. This means that you could be fined or even jailed. However, the penalties for getting married without a license vary from state to state.
In some states, getting married without a license is considered a common-law marriage. This means that your marriage is recognized by the state even though you didn’t get a license. However, common-law marriages are not recognized in all states.
If you’re not sure whether your state recognizes common-law marriages, it’s best to get a marriage license just to be safe.
Tips for Getting Married Without a License
If you’re determined to get married without a license, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself:
- Make sure that you meet all of the legal requirements for marriage, such as being of legal age, not being closely related, and not being already married.
- Get a blood test to rule out any medical conditions that could make your marriage illegal.
- Have a ceremony performed by a religious leader or a civil officiant.
- File a common-law marriage affidavit with the county clerk’s office.
Keep in mind that getting married without a license is a risky decision. It’s best to talk to a lawyer before you make this decision to make sure you understand the consequences.
FAQ
Q: Can I get married in another state without a license?
A: No, you cannot get married in another state without a license. Each state has its own laws regarding marriage, and you must follow the laws of the state where you are getting married.
Q: What happens if my marriage license expires?
A: If your marriage license expires, you will need to get a new one. You can usually get a new license from the same office where you got the original license.
Q: Can I get married if I am already married?
A: No, you cannot get married if you are already married. Bigamy is a crime in all 50 states.
Conclusion
Getting married without a license is a risky decision. It’s best to talk to a lawyer before you make this decision to make sure you understand the consequences.
If you are interested in getting married without a license, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself. Make sure that you meet all of the legal requirements for marriage, get a blood test, have a ceremony performed by a religious leader or a civil officiant, and file a common-law marriage affidavit with the county clerk’s office.
