Legal Definitions - in-marriage

The term in-marriage refers to anything that occurs, exists, or is established while a couple is legally married. It specifically denotes events, relationships, or assets that fall within the legal duration and bounds of a valid marriage.

• Example 1: Child's Legal Parentage
  Imagine a couple, Alex and Ben, who are legally married. Alex gives birth to a child, Chloe. Because Chloe is born while Alex and Ben are legally married, she is considered an "in-marriage" child. This legal status automatically presumes Ben is Chloe's legal father, granting him parental rights and responsibilities without requiring additional legal steps like adoption, and establishing Chloe's right to inherit from both parents.

• Example 2: Division of Marital Property
  Consider Sarah and David, who are married. During their marriage, Sarah purchases a car with her earnings, and David opens a joint savings account with money from his salary. Both the car and the funds in the savings account are considered "in-marriage" property because they were acquired while Sarah and David were legally married. If they were to divorce, these assets would typically be subject to division between them according to state laws, regardless of whose name is on the title or account.

• Example 3: Spousal Support Considerations
  Suppose Maria and John were married for 20 years. During their "in-marriage" period, Maria primarily managed the household and raised their children, while John was the main financial provider. If they divorce, the court will consider the length of their "in-marriage" relationship (20 years) and the financial contributions and sacrifices made by each spouse during that time when determining whether to award spousal support (alimony) to Maria. The standard of living established in-marriage is also a key factor in such decisions.