Marriage Certificate

Published Oct 17, 2021

When a marriage begins to fall out, divorce is usually imminent. While filing for divorce is never easy, sometimes, it’s the only way to move forward.

Understandably, some people put off filing for divorce for a variety of reasons. More than just the emotional toll, getting a divorce involves tons of paperwork and sometimes lengthy legal battles.

While people’s hesitation to file a divorce is understandable, the people considering a divorce should be aware of the benefits of being the first spouse to file for divorce.

What is a Divorce?

A divorce is when a husband and wife decide not to live together anymore and no longer want to be married to each other. They agree to sign some legal papers that make them each single again and meet other people if they want.

What Happens When Filing for Divorce First?

There is one particular benefit that you can obtain when filing for divorce first. If you file for divorce early before your spouse, you are financially ready to do so.

You would have prepared all the legal documents such as bank and investment account statements, life insurance policies, wills, social security cards, titles to property. Your spouse will also need these documents and will have a more challenging time obtaining them when the divorce process starts.

Filing for divorce first also helps you legally in terms of requesting a Standing Order for your spouse. This order prevents either spouse from making changes to beneficiaries on policies.

These policies include life insurance, retirement accounts, changing bank accounts, selling or transferring property, and other financial moves. A Standing Order might be vital if you suspect your spouse will attempt to hide or move assets.

10 Things to Do Before Filing for Divorce

1. Never Make Divorce Threats Until You Are Prepared To File

It will cause considerable harm to your partner, and he or she may begin preparing a divorce, relocating assets, and repositioning himself or herself with the children, all of which could be detrimental to you. Allow sufficient time to plan properly and then file for divorce after your affairs are in order.

Published Sept 20, 2021

Have you been wondering, “where do I get a certified copy of my marriage certificate?” for the past few days? Are you in need of its copy for something important? Or have you misplaced your original and require a replacement?

Here’s a brief overview of what marriage certificates are and where you can get a copy of them.

Defining Marriage Certificate

A marriage certificate is an official document that attests to the fact that you got married. It is not the same with your marriage license, which is a piece of paper issued prior to your wedding as an authorization for marriage.

Following the wedding, your officiant (the person who officiated the ceremony) will return your marriage license to the county office it was issued in the first place.

Your marriage certificate is issued and mailed to you by the county office. It should arrive between two and four weeks following your wedding.

Marriage Certificate: What Does It Look Like?

A marriage certificate is a formal-looking document that contains information about your marriage. It will contain the date, time, and place of your wedding, as well as signatures from all guests.

They come in different shapes and sizes. However, the words ‘Marriage Certificate’ will always be prominently displayed.

Marriage Certificate: Why Does One Need It?

• To legally change their name

After marriage, your marriage certificate enables you to legally change your name. The first step is to take your marriage document to the Social Security Administration and request that your name be changed on your Social Security Card. Then you can begin updating your driver’s license, US passport, and personal accounts –– such as banks and credit cards. Without it, you cannot change your name.

• If adding themselves or a spouse to a benefit plan

Many employer-sponsored benefit plans require proof of marriage in order to enroll a spouse.

• If planning to take out a loan

Lenders may need you to provide a copy of your marriage certificate to establish your marital status.

• If getting audited by the IRS

The Internal Revenue Service will seek to confirm your marital status.

Where Do I Get A Certified Copy of My Marriage Certificate?

To obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate, contact the county office that issued your marriage license.

A certified copy is an exact replica of your original marriage certificate, which was issued directly by the county office where you obtained your marriage license.

The cost of each certified copy usually is between $5 and $20, and the majority of offices can fulfill your request within a few working days.

If you are unable to contact the county clerk’s office where your license was issued, you may contact the state’s vital records office where you were married. They will be able to assist you with obtaining a copy.

The guidelines are different in every state, but every request should include:

• Spouses’ full names (at the time of marriage)
• Day, month, and year of the marriage
• Marriage location (county, city or town, and state)
• The purpose for requesting a certified copy of a marriage certificate
• Daytime telephone number (also include area code)

Published Sept 13, 2021

Divorce is the termination of a marriage or marital union; it legally ends a marriage, unlike an annulment that declares the marriage void. All countries allow it except the Philippines and the Vatican City.

Divorce records consist of all the details about the separation, such as the reason for marriage dissolution. It also includes other important information like the agreement on spousal support, child support, custody, visitation, and property division. Have you ever wondered how to find divorce records in the U.S.?

How did Divorce Records become Court Records?

Divorce paperwork must be filed in court. When the judge issued the divorce decree, the divorce would be official. The divorce decree is the final judgment of the court on your marriage dissolution. Once the divorce decree is issued, it’s not reversible if the couple changes their mind. They have to remarry.

Federal and state laws state that any documents related to the divorce must be kept by the courts. So even divorce records are court records; it’s not considered vital records.

Who can Access Divorce Records?

Divorce records are considered public records, which means everyone can have access to this kind of document. This may include media, firms, corporations, professional organizations, and associations. However, some courts implement restrictions on who can have access to public records.

In many states, divorce records are strictly kept by the public. As a result, divorce records or decrees contain personal information from both parties that might be confidential.

The court usually gives access to divorce records to the following:

• Both of the divorced individuals
• Proven attorney for either spouse with the authority of the spouse to access records
• A representative of either spouse with a letter of authority certified by the notary public and signed by the spouse

How to find divorce records?

Finding any type of court record is difficult as the document may be confidential. Fortunately, filing a divorce requires the couple to be a state resident for a specific number of days. So finding out where the divorced couple resided can be a great start, especially if you don’t know much about them. Here are some options you can try to find divorce records:

• Many websites now offer instant access to divorce records. You can easily view the basic information of the divorce like the case number, name of both parties, and the year it was issued.
• Divorce papers can be found online on the County court’s website or the State’s archives online. However, they may require the case number of the divorce like in Colorado. The information available in these archives may not yet include recent divorce records. The court can assist with a fee if the applicant is unable to provide the case number.

In New Jersey, divorce decrees can be found in the Superior Court of the New Jersey Records Center. In Maryland, the original divorce decree can only be acquired from the Circuit Court that granted the decree.

• The majority of states may allow people to have access to limited information about divorce records online. However, they won’t provide a copy of the divorce decree unless the interested person asks permission from the office of the Court Clerk of the county where the divorce was filed.
• If the divorce was filed only in the State of interest, you could ask the clerk if the particular state keeps the divorce records and how you can conduct a search with the State Office of Vital Statistics. The search may provide basic information about the divorce.

Sealed Divorce Records

Sealed Divorce Records were ordered by the court to be private and confidential. This kind of record is not considered a public record, unlike other divorce records. The court can order the entire record to be under the seal or just parts of it. The parties can also request for the records to be sealed. They must convince the judge on why it needs to be a private record.

Reasons for Sealing Divorce Records

Here are some of the common reasons why judges seal divorce records:

• Financial and proprietary information of the company
• Minors — the court is always protective when it comes to the identity of children in a divorce
• Confidential information such as a person’s social security number
• Mental illness or addiction of either spouse
• Privacy protection of the victim if they experience domestic violence or child abuse
• To prevent false allegations from protecting the concerned party from possible damage to reputation

How can I Obtain Sealed Divorce Records?

Step 1: Identify a significant Reason

Identify why you want your record to be a public record and present it to the court. The reason why you want to unseal the records must be convincing and appropriate for the judge. If you have an acceptable excuse, the judge may open your record.

Step 2: Research the laws in unsealing records

You must analyze and study the legal requirements for unsealing court records in the State of interest. In every state, there is a proper procedure for unsealing records.

In California, courts can unseal divorce records in their own volition or, if prompted by a petition, according to their rules in sealed records. Anyone that wants to unseal records must file a petition, and the same goes for all parties in the case.

All documents relating to sealed divorce records must be treated as confidential and/or sealed documents. It’s also possible to write a formal letter directly to the judge. The letter must include an introduction of the applicant, the reasons for the request to unseal, and the description of the document. It must be submitted to the court where the divorce records are sealed.

If the applicant wants assistance, it’s possible to consult with a lawyer to help you prepare a motion and cite legal authority to unseal.

Presenting a valid identification and a notarized petition is necessary.

Step 3: Go to the Hearing

Once the motion is filed, a hearing will be scheduled. At the hearing, the applicant can justify her reasons thoroughly. If the court is convinced and there is no opposition, the court may order to unseal the record after the hearing or later.

Step 4: Review the Court Order

Once the court issues the order, it must include further details like the reason for unsealing the record and the people who can access the record. The unsealed record can be fully or partially unsealed to a specific person or the public, depending on the court order.

Published July 12, 2021

If you are currently considering a name change after marriage AZ, there are a few things to consider. First, the processes depend on changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or petitioning the Arizona court.

This article is written to guide those who want or need to do a name change, especially after marriage, without any delay or hassle. Read on for more information.

How to Name Change After Marriage AZ

You can change your name in Arizona after marriage without obtaining a separate adult court order. The first step is to apply for a marriage license; this is required before a couple can marry in the state.

Due to the absence of a waiting period, obtaining a marriage license in Arizona is among the simplest thing to do in the country. To begin, the marriage license application fee is approximately $76, and both parties must be at least 18 years old. Additionally, both parties must appear in person for the license with the proper identification as proof of age, which should be a passport or a photo identification issued in the United States.

The two applicants will then sign and swear to two affidavits attesting to the accuracy of the personal information provided. If one of the parties is 16 or 17 years old, they must be accompanied by a legal guardian or parent during the consent form signing. Moreover, the minor must also provide identification in the form of a birth certificate. If applicants, or one of them, are under the age of 15, the law requires the order to be signed by a Juvenile Superior Court Judge.

The $76 fee must be paid in cash, but some countries accept checks, money orders, or credit cards. In Arizona, no blood test is required to obtain a marriage license. Since there is no waiting period, applicants may marry on the same day they receive the marriage license. The license is valid for one year or twelve months and is transferable to any location within the State. In Arizona, marriages may be performed by anyone who is legally authorized to do so. This includes magistrates, judges, church-recognized ministers with authority to officiate weddings, and Arizona justices of the peace.

After the marriage, the marriage license’s bottom portion must be returned to the Clerk of the Superior Court’s office for recording. In a nutshell, you’ll need a fiancee, a $76 fee, and proof of age to obtain an Arizona marriage license.

To change your name after marriage, simply obtain a certified copy of your marriage license and use it to update your name with various governmental bodies and institutions, including the motor vehicle department, the Social Security Administration, and the passport office.

While changing your name as a result of marriage, you have several options, including the following:

• One can adopt their husband’s name

Simply drop your last name and adopt your husband’s, as what always happens traditionally.

• Remain with their own name as it is

You can also choose to make no changes and continue using your name as-is.

• Hyphenate the names

Rather than dropping your name entirely, you can use a hyphen between your last or middle name and that of your husband.

• Use the names without hyphenation

You may also use both names (your maiden or last name and your husband’s) without hyphenating them by simply adding them to yours.

• A husband taking the wife’s name

A husband may also take his wife’s name, not through marriage but a legal name change, including same-sex partners. Although, take note that these laws are constantly changing, and it’s always a good idea to check the state’s laws.

How to Change Your Name After Divorce

It is natural for both or one of the couples to express a desire to change their names following a divorce. If a man or woman wishes to revert to a previous or maiden name, the simplest procedure is to request their attorney to include the name change as part of the divorce process. However, if you wish to adopt a completely new name that you have never used previously during the divorce process, this is not possible. Whereas, you must follow a separate procedure.

Both the Response to the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage forms and instructions contain a section in which either of the divorcing parties may petition the court for a return to a previous name.

If the divorce is finalized and completed without either party requesting a previous name restoration, a separate name change procedure can always be initiated as provided by Arizona law.

How to Change My Name In General As An Adult

If you wish to change your name independently of the divorce or marriage name change procedure, you can follow the law’s general adult name change procedure instead. It is pretty easy when dealing with the Arizona Superior Court Clerk.

The first step is to obtain the Application for Name Change form and the Order Changing Name for an Adult form, which you can either download or get in person from your county clerks.

Complete the application for change of names by providing required information –– such as your date of birth, address, name, and the reason for the change. Also, indicate as well whether you have ever been convicted of a crime.

Additionally, the Order Changing Name should be completed, as it contains contact information. It is the form that the judicial officer will sign indicating that you may also get a new/additional birth certificate in the State of Arizona bearing the new name.

The court clerk should receive the original documents, as well as two copies. Pay the required filing fee, and remember that fees in Arizona are not uniform. Moreover, those who cannot afford them may apply for deferment/waiver.

Obtain a certified copy of the Order Changing Name and verify that the clerk of the court has issued a notice of hearing. Additionally, the clerk will inform you of your county’s hearing procedure. The certified copy of the order is given only after the change of name has been approved. This order is required to submit a change of name application to agencies such as the Social Security Administration and the motor vehicle department.

How to Change the Name on Birth Certificate

The birth certificate is amended by submitting a certified copy of the court order and paying the appropriate fees to the Bureau of Vital Records. Note that, in Arizona, birth certificates are maintained by counties, and applications should be directed to the county in which the applicant was born.

How to Change Name on Social Security, DMV, IRS

Consult the Social Security Administration for a replacement Social Security card before visiting the motor vehicles department to have your identification/license driver’s name changed. Then, personally or via mail, contact your county’s Bureau of Vital Records to do the same.

What are the Documents Recognized for Name Change Event

• For a marriage name change, a certified copy of the marriage certificate is required.
• For a divorce name change, a certified copy of the divorce decree is needed.
• A court order for an adult name change
• Identification documents issued by the state or government

Published June 28, 2021

Non-traditional weddings are adorable. It’s always interesting to witness couples charting their own course and breaking any traditions they believe are no longer beneficial. However, it is understandable that it can be challenging to gather information and educate yourself on the various ways in which you can deviate from the norm and create your own unique wedding path.

Suppose you want to do things differently but are unsure of your options other than eloping or having a traditional wedding. In that case, this is the right article for you because we will answer your question, “can you marry yourself?” right about now.

What Is Self-Solemnizing?

Self-solemnizing is the act of two people agreeing to become legally married without the assistance or supervision of a third-party officiant, celebrant, or judge.

In effect, it eliminates the hassle of hiring an officiant on the day of your elopement to perform your marriage ceremony. While we believe the government’s opinion on the legality of your marriage is largely irrelevant in comparison to your own commitment, let’s admit there are numerous reasons to ensure your state and country legally recognize your wedding ceremony. Immigration, health care, children, and taxes, among other factors, may influence your desire not only to marry but to be legally recognized as a married couple. Whatever your motivation, if legality is a concern for you, you must ensure that everything is done correctly.

Self-solemnizing marriages performed in states that permit them are legally recognized in other US states. The United States of America as a country recognizes marriages between states, despite the fact that each state has its own set of laws. Your US marriage license is frequently recognized by other countries as well, which is an issue that may arise if you travel. However, let us emphasize that not all other countries are amenable to marriages legal in the United States.

In some parts of the world, for instance, same-sex marriages are not recognized. This discrimination serves as another reason to emphasize that you, and not a piece of paper, define your relationship status. Until all relationships between consenting adults are recognized as valid – regardless of sex, gender, race, or any other factor – legal marriage will always have unequal effects. While we cannot change the world on our own, we will do everything possible to ensure that our elopement experience is everything we want it to be – with the type of ceremony that is perfect for us.

Things to Know About Eloping and Self-Solemnization

Self-uniting weddings make a lot of sense for couples who are eloping outdoors. If you self-solemnize, you will not be required to find an officiant who is willing and able to participate in any activities you wish on your wedding day! For example, if you choose to marry on a mountaintop that requires hours of hiking to reach, it may be challenging to find an officiant whose abilities and schedule coincide with yours. While officiants are frequently extraordinary people, they do not play a significant role outside of the ceremony.

Having another person officiate your marriage has been a tradition

It is a historical tradition to have a third party convene and facilitate marriages, and officiants continue to play a vital role in that tradition. Moreover, many couples do not see the need for a separate entity to validate their commitment. Traditionally, officiants have been government officials, religious leaders, or others who have a role in regulating the behavior of a group of people.

Government officials began officiating marriages to maintain a better understanding of their citizens and create a paper trail to ensure population order. Religious leaders presided over marriage ceremonies as intermediaries between couples and their gods to elevate their human commitment to a spiritual level. In the ocean, boat captains act as leaders for their crew, and the list continues. Essentially, the role of an officiant or celebrant is rooted in the belief that marriage is about “more” than just the two individuals and that their choice is influenced by forces greater than themselves and has ramifications for the community in which they live.

It is your marriage, so just have it your way

No one else’s opinion of your marriage is more important than your own. Of course, we are not naive enough to believe there are no benefits to community support. Still, we are confident that you should be able to determine the weight of other people’s opinions in your relationship. If you do not feel supported by the community you were born, raised, or currently reside, you are not obligated to perform marriage rites for their benefit.

Elopement entails planning a wedding celebration that is consistent with your vision and values. Self-solemnizing marriage ceremonies allow eloping couples to truly do things their way when marrying themselves. This is by using the words and language most meaningful to them and surrounding themselves with people who support them in these choices.

States Where You Can Officiate Your Own Marriage

• California – They have a separate marriage license application for couples who identify as “non-clergy,” but still require the signatures of two witnesses.
• Colorado and Washington D.C. – Self-solemnizing marriages are permitted here without any additional application or conditions.
• Illinois – They permit self-solemnization following religious or indigenous rituals.
• Nevada, Kansas, and Maine – The three allow self-solemnization for individuals who identify as ‘Friends’ or ‘Quakers’ and marry according to the customs of those organizations.
• Pennsylvania – Self-solemnization is allowed here, with two witnesses signing in lieu of an officiant.
• Wisconsin – Similarly, self-union is permitted without restriction here. However, they require signing a form acknowledging that the government cannot guarantee that a self-uniting marriage will be recognized in all circumstances.

If you want to marry in a state or country where self-solemnization is not permitted but still want a private ceremony, it is possible. In that situation, you have two choices:

Firstly, you can marry legally at a courthouse prior to your elopement and then have a commitment ceremony on the day of your wedding.

Or, on the day of your elopement, you can have a self marriage ceremony, and one of your wedding photographers may act as an officiant. Then, on the hike back from your elopement (or at any other time during the day), you can gather witnesses to sign.

Helpful Tips When Planning A Self-Solemnizing Wedding Ceremony

Now that you’ve decided to self-solemnize on your wedding day, all that remains is to plan your elopement. There are a few things that couples often do differently for self-solemnizing ceremonies, and we’d like to share those insights with you to assist you in deciding on the look and feel of your ceremony.

Whatever you do, keep in mind that there is no script to follow. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: your wedding imagination is valid, and you deserve a marriage celebration that you want and is aligned with your goals and values!

1. Write Your Own Vows

Couples who self-solemnize frequently write their own vows. Since they are not following a “repeat after me” script, they are free to say whatever is meaningful to them. You can exchange letters and/or read letters from loved ones who are unable to attend.

2. The Ceremony Can Happen During An Activity

You can stand on a mountaintop and hold hands and gaze into each other’s eyes, or you can do something else. Your ceremony can take any form you wish – whether it involves a couple standing before a physical altar, jumping out of an airplane holding hands, sitting next to each other in a canoe, or communicating solely through sign language.

3. It Can Be Long or Short

You are not required to write novels for your vows, but you may if you wish! You can plan an elopement in which the ceremony lasts only a few minutes, or you can make the wedding ceremony the focal point of the day. Your elopement day is yours to spend however you wish – there is no right amount of time to use language to communicate your commitment. You can demonstrate it by taking action and spending your elopement day doing whatever you and your partner enjoy.

4. Your Guests Can Sign As Witnesses

One of the advantages of self-solemnizing is that it does not require the signature of an officiant or witness – anyone can sign. Small children can sign the paperwork if you have them. If you bring your dog, they can sign with their muddy paw print. While you are self-solemnizing, you are not required to do solo weddings. You can further personalize the experience by inviting loved ones without bringing a government-approved official.

5. Plan How and When You Will File Paperwork

Familiarize yourself with the local laws in the area where you will marry. Determine whether a waiting period applies, whether witnesses are required, and the procedure for ensuring your paperwork is filed correctly. When an officiant performs the ceremony, he or she will frequently sign and submit the completed marriage license following the ceremony. Often, there is a time limit – between ten and thirty days – during which your license is valid, and you must file it within that time frame. Due to the fact that you will be performing everything yourself during a self-solemnizing ceremony, ensure that you and your partner have a plan in place for completing the paperwork.

6. Your Imagination Is The Limit

Self-solemnization enables you to truly tailor your wedding to your ideals, goals, and vision. Nobody else can tell you what is ideal for you; only you and your partner know that. Each unique celebration strengthens our belief that all of us deserve the openness and freedom inherent in elopements rather than traditional weddings. Through self-solemnizing, you can further personalize your dream wedding, making it better than you ever imagined!

Published April 28th, 2021

The tradition of a wife changing their name after marriage dates back centuries. In the US and most English-speaking countries, this tradition still stands. In Virginia, many women still opt to change their name after marriage even if there are no laws requiring such.

The process of changing your name in Virginia after marriage is quite straightforward. But you may need patience - lots of it - as it can be time-consuming. And just like most government processes, it involves (surprise, surprise) paperwork and fees.

If you’re planning a name change soon, here’s a quick guide for you:

Changing Your Name in Virginia After Marriage

Unfortunately, there is no one-stop-shop if you want to change your name after marriage. You’ll have to go to every place that you need to transact with using your legal name. This includes public institutions such as:

Social Security Administration

If you want to start using your married name in legal transactions, you can start by changing the name on your social security card. You can submit your request in person or send it by mail. But first, you need to download and fill up Form SS5. You also need to submit these documents along with your form:

• your marriage certificate
• proof of identity (US driver’s license, any state-issued ID, passport)
• proof of citizenship (US birth certificate, passport, certificate of naturalization)

IRS

A change in your legal name will obviously affect your taxes. If you don’t inform them, the IRS may list your tax due under your old name which will eventually create problems later on.

If you’ve already changed your name at the SSA, they will inform the IRS about it. So before you file your taxes under your new name, make sure that you’ve already changed your name at the SSA. If the name on your tax return is different from your SSA records, it can delay the processing of your return.

DMV

Aside from your social security card, you also need to update all your other identity cards. And that includes your driver’s license or your non-driver ID card.

To change your name at the DMV, you need to submit the following documents:

• Driver’s License and Identification Card Application (DL-1P)
• your marriage certificate
• your valid Virginia-issued driver’s license, learner’s permit, or photo ID card (depending on what you currently hold)

You can visit the DMV Virginia website to know more about what other documents they accept. While you’re at it, don’t forget to update your vehicle title and registration too.