Legal Effects of Marriage
There are several Federal and state laws that benefit married couples.
Some examples include the right to:
- File joint income tax returns with the IRS and state taxing authorities.
- Create a "family partnership" under federal tax laws, which allows you to divide business income among family members (this will often lower the total tax on the income).
- Create a marital life estate trust.
- Receive spouse's and dependents' Social Security, disability, unemployment, veterans', pension, and public assistance benefits.
- Receive a share of your deceased spouse's estate under intestate succession laws.
- Claim an estate tax marital deduction.
- Sue a third person for wrongful death of your spouse and loss of consortium.
- Sue a third person for offenses that interfere with the success of your marriage, such as alienation of affection and criminal conversation (these lawsuits are available in only a few states).
- Receive family rates for insurance.
- Avoid the deportation of a non-citizen spouse.
- Enter hospital intensive care units, jails, and other places where visitors are restricted to immediate family.
If you have any questions regarding the legal effects of getting married, do not hesitate to reach out to Martin Attorneys. Call today to set up a consultation to discuss your case!
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