Marriage is a voluntary, private contract between two adults. While it is a personal and emotional commitment, it is also an official relationship that changes the legal status of both parties. A family law attorney from Knox Law Center in Charlotte, NC, can help you to understand the legal technicalities of marriage, as well as the rights and responsibilities that come along with it.

The legal rights and obligations associated with marriage have evolved with our society and today are the same for both spouses. Each state has its own rules about marriage, but there are some uniform principles, including:

• Who can marry whom. Each state prohibits marriage between brothers and sisters, parent and child, and some prohibit marriage between aunt or uncle and niece or nephew. Traditionally, most states wouldn”t issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, but a landmark 2015 Supreme Court case made it permissible for gay and lesbian partners across the country to marry.
• Age requirements. Each state has a minimum age requirement, typically 18 years old before a marriage license can be issued. Some states permit marriage at a younger age if parental consent is given.
• Residency requirements. Most states require one or both of the parties to reside in the state for a specific period of time before issuing a marriage license.
• Medical exam and licensing. Some states require the completion of a medical exam and blood test before issuing a marriage license. The marriage license must be issued by a designated public official.
• Ceremony and officials. Some states require a formal ceremony of some kind with witnesses and a licensed public or religious official in order to recognize the marriage. It doesn’t need to be elaborate, but both parties must officially give their consent to the union.