Legal Definitions - marriage records

Marriage Records

Marriage records are official documents kept by government bodies or religious organizations that contain detailed information about individuals planning to marry and the specifics of their wedding ceremony. These records serve as legal proof of a marital union and often include data such as the couple's names, dates of birth, addresses, parents' names, the date and location of the marriage, and the officiant's details.

• Example 1: Updating Personal Identification After Marriage

  After getting married, Sarah wants to update her driver's license and passport to reflect her new surname. To do this, she must present her official marriage certificate to the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Passport Agency. This certificate is a type of marriage record that legally verifies her marriage and the change in her name, allowing her to update her identification documents.

• Example 2: Genealogical Research and Family History

  John is researching his family tree and discovers an ancestor who lived in the early 1900s. He requests a copy of his great-grandparents' marriage record from the county clerk's office. This document provides him with their full names, ages, places of residence before marriage, and the exact date and location of their wedding, offering crucial details for his genealogical research.

• Example 3: Proving Spousal Status for Benefits or Inheritance

  When David's husband, Michael, passes away, David needs to prove their legal relationship to claim survivor benefits from Michael's pension fund and to be recognized as the legal heir to Michael's estate. David uses their official marriage certificate as the definitive marriage record to establish his spousal status, ensuring he can access the benefits and inheritance he is legally entitled to.