This discrete option helped encourage marriage and simplified things when caring for children or distributing inheritances. A marriage license is a legally binding document that is required in order to get married. Blood tests were a requirement of the past but were eliminated in January of 1995. Click here now. FTC's website on credit. A public marriage license in California is a public record that allows couples to get married anywhere in the state. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_16',146,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');Your partner can also help you to overcome difficult situations in your life. Great Officiants has several specialized notaries on the team. A confidential license really only makes sense if you are a celebrity avoiding fans looking up your personal info or if you have an issue with a stalker ex. Finally, the completed application form must be brought to the office. Pro: A Greater Chance at Building Wealth. confidential marriage license is only filed with the county where the license is issued and a certificate of marriage can only be obtained by either spouse. Consequently, marriage is also a big risk from a financial perspective and you should really make sure that you understand this risk properly in order to avoid any quite unpleasant financial outcomes for you in the future. 2. The origin of the confidential marriage license goes back to 1878, when it was meant for unmarried cohabitating couples in the state. (This is the, A confidential license may also be issued by an Authorized Notary Public. Therefore, you should ask yourself which character type you are in order to be able to evaluate whether marriage is the way to go for you or not. It is usually a combination of many factors. Some people are quite faithful and think that the bible or other holy books are the most important rules to comply with in order to be a good person. My name is Andreas and my mission is to educate people of all ages about our environmental problems and how everyone can make a contribution to mitigate these issues. Its like what AAA does for the DMV. In the end, you might work in a shitty job and have to give away a big fraction of your salary to your ex-partner. Thousands of years ago, it was pretty common that a man had many different women. Pros.. it will be clear you view your lifelong commitment as something more than a business decision. Thus, the fear to stay alone may make people weak and may force them to marry, even if they do not like their partner too much. During the application for a marriage license, each individual has the ability to change their middle name(s), last name(s), or both. I will be getting confidential marriage license to protect my personal information. I always love reading who got a marriage license in the paper. These days, its a popular option for a variety of reasons, including a lower cost than regular license and no need for witnesses, and an estimated one-fifth of marriages in California are confidential. Hence, if you grow up in a region where fundamentalists are quite common, chances are that you will be forced into marriage due to irrational religious claims and arguments. Appointments to apply for a confidential marriage license can be scheduled online. presented did not contain the individuals full name. By doing so, you could avoid introducing the state into your life, which could protect you from unpleasant outcomes in the long run. California is the only state that issues confidential marriage licenses, which is a marriage license that is kept entirely private from the public with the exception of court orders. Marriage Could Change What's Already a Good Thing. A license fee, with prices ranging by county, can be collected at the time of scheduling if the party prefers to pay online. Pros.. all the money you blow on the wedding and reception will be legally recognized. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Pros - Some couples want their details kept private For most people, having a public record of their marriage isn't a big deal. Thus, marriage can also be considered as some kind of historical construct that has become obsolete. Researchers looked into the dip of levels of happiness that occurred naturally in middle age. In some regions, you might even get socially isolated if you refuse to marry your partner and your family might even abandon you for that. Pros - Some couples want their details kept private. In order to obtain a confidential marriage license, there are no differences in requirements between U.S. and non-U.S. citizens. Weve read up a bit online and leaning toward a confidential marriage license and are mainly interested in considering any potential long-term disadvantages to this - such as an impact when we eventually buy a house, combine banking accounts, etc. The truth is that all the problems that you had before with your partner will not get better once you are married, they actually get far worse. This is also one main reason why divorce rates are so high. Its not exactly clear why other states legislatures never added the option for a confidential marriage license after California instituted it, perhaps due to lack of demand. Marriage may also help you to create and maintain a stable and intact family. Public or Confidential Marriage License?! Overall, a confidential marriage license is a useful option for couples who want to keep their marriage private, but it is important to consider the potential risks and benefits before making a decision. If a confidential marriage license is lost, damaged, or destroyed after the wedding ceremony, but before its returned to the county clerk, the wedding officiant must file an affidavit with the county clerk within one year of the ceremony to obtain a duplicate license. Polygamists, minors, and people falsely claiming Social Security benefits took advantage of the confidential option, though, and the state legislature came close to doing away with it in 1984it stayed alive by one vote. Your safety and wellbeing should be a priority, and you are not safe in a violent situation. In California, there are two types of marriage licenses that couples can be issued a public marriage license or a confidential marriage license. Domestic Violence is one divorce pro that has no cons. Since you have to make so many compromises with your partner, you may not be able to live your true self anymore. All those factors may lead to divorce and you should be aware of those facts. The significant difference is that the confidential marriage license is confidential, and only the married couple can procure copies of it from the recorder's office. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. And since its private, no witnesses are needed to be present at the ceremony to sign the license. Check out our free ceremony scripts! In most places, being married without a licence generally means the union is a customary marriage a "common-law union," which some jurisdictions will consider as lawful while some just 'accept' it without assigning lawfulness or unlawfulness. As I went to university and got my Masters degree in Economics, I did plenty of research in the field of Development Economics. To get a confidential marriage license in California, participating parties must be living together and willing to sign an affidavit confirming this as factual information. While marriage is perhaps the most common form of a permanent and legal union, another option is a domestic partnership. Public Marriage License You must be at least 18 years old. That also includes leaving assets in your estate to your spouse without estate or gift tax . The marriage license is recorded but is only accessible by the couple. Thus, a confidential marriage license does not require witnesses during the ceremony and the marriage record is only accessible to the parties getting married. Many people also become quite jealous over time and want to control what their partner is doing since they fear to get replaced. If you have any questions feel free to give us a call at 562-435-4000. In my opinion, marriage is a rather outdated social construct and especially as a man, getting married is quite risky in many parts of our planet right now. Therefore, make sure to check out your partners family before you marry him or her in order to avoid having to hang out with people you dont want to spend time with at all. In California, the law requires both a marriage license to be purchased and a marriage ceremony to take place in order for a couple to be considered legally married. Also, their goals in life may change and differ too much in order to stay in a marriage. For this information, we look to 506 of the California Family Code, which states that: (a) The confidential marriage license shall be presented to the person solemnizing the marriage. Privacy protection: Confidential marriage licenses provide privacy to the couple, as their names and personal information are not made public. However, the partner who stays at home will not have too much experience in the workplace and may have a hard time finding a job in the future. (. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-box-4','ezslot_14',142,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-box-4-0');Another reason why so many people marry is that it is a socially accepted construct. A marriage license is only a permit to get married. This is not only true for marriage, but also for long-term relationships. It's to protect my personal information. We also trace the roots of monogamy, take a quick tour of the history of mar. Quite often, also banks are much more willing to give you a credit to buy a house if you are married. So make sure that both of you understand each other & sort your Cons out. Public license is $91. Another problem of marriage is that you may also become quite dependent on your partner. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_18',188,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Also from a financial standpoint, getting married can make sense. Firstly, it is important to note that first names can not be changed through marriage. A public license works fine for the rest and the general public doesn't normally dig that deep into the average Joe's information. Con artists, identity thieves, and telemarketers can, and do access marriage certificates. Plan your wedding wherever and whenever you want on the WeddingWire App. You may also be able to benefit from the connections of your spouses family. But for others, such as celebrities, political figures, and others in the public eye (or those who want to stay out of it), it's important to keep their personal details and marriages private. For instance, if you are forced into marriage by your parents at a young age, chances are that you will just trust them to know whats good for you and you may end up in a disastrous state later on in your life. Limitations on benefits: Confidential marriage licenses may limit the benefits that the couple can receive, such as immigration or tax benefits, as the marriage may not be recognized by the government or other organizations. Because confidential licenses are only available in California and serve a special purpose, couples and wedding officiants might be wondering: Read on for answers to all of these questions, and more! Marriage is an ideal way of being socially accepted and identified. If you need legal help or have any more questions about a confidential marriage license in California, contact us. Public vs confidential: The key difference between a public marriage license and a confidential license is that confidential licenses dont become part of the public record and can only be accessed by the couple or by court order. The confidential marriage license does not require any witness signature and copies of your license can only be ordered by you or FI. Appointments should be scheduled prior to visiting the County Clerks Office, as walk-ins are not always allowed. Thus, no one other than the couple involved and the person who performed the marriage Its crazy how much variance there is state to state! In 2012, approximately one fifth of all California marriage licenses issued were confidential. In Los Angeles county, confidential marriage licenses are actually a little cheaper than a public license, but couples opting for the confidential route have to pay $14 to order a certified copy of their license and certificate, so the cost evens out. Unlimited marital tax deduction is the biggest tax benefit a married couple can receive, Blank Rome LLP matrimonial lawyer and partner Dylan S. Mitchell says. Heres what you need to know about a confidential marriage license in California. TU 791 02/11/2013, EQ 800 1/29/2011 , EX Plus FAKO 812, EX Vantage Score 955 3/19/2010 wife's EQ 9/23/2009 803. Pros.. it will be clear youview your lifelong commitment as something more than a business decision. In case of divorce, you might lose a significant part of your financial wealth to your ex-partner and you may want to ask yourself whether this is a reasonable risk to bear. This application includes general information about the parties and has an affidavit section dedicated to ensuring both parties have been living together. pros of Confidential Marriage License cons of Confidential Marriage License The Difference between a Marriage License and a Marriage Certificate How to Obtain a Marriage License in Los Angeles County through County Clerk's Office (more difficult) through a special authorized notary (easier) Los Angeles Marriage License Requirements A birth certificate would only be required if the legal photo I.D. The tradition of marriage has been started thousands of years ago and still considered as the social construct. 1 - 20 of 27 Posts. Until recently, confidential licenses could only be used in the county in which they were issued. Otherwise, it's not really different than a regular marriage license. one of our family law attorneys in California today. Your generosity keeps American Marriage Ministries running. Give yourself the tools and training you deserve to succeed as a wedding officiant, so that you can stand beside the lucky couple with complete confidence on their big day. The Cons It's Not Fair. The license must be registered with the County Clerks Office in the county where it was purchased. When shes not writing or illustrating for AMM, she enjoys easy hikes, fantasy novels, comics, and traveling. It can be more convenient via a specialized notary. This will not be the case, at least not in Western countries where people do not have any punishment if they leave a marriage. If you plan to buy property together then being legally married has major major major advantages. Shes an advocate for marriage equality and individuality. No one else can go down to the county or do a record search and find that document.Yaaaa!! making them a great choice for elopements. In many countries all over the world, marriage is considered to be the standard approach towards long-term relationships and many families apply quite a lot of pressure on couples to get married. A sworn statement, acknowledgment by a notary public, a record search fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope are required if the parties request the license by mail. Although both types of marriage licenses are legal in California, certified copies of the confidential marriage license, which as previously stated are only obtainable by the married couple, can primarily be secured through a direct method of ensuring that it is in fact the married couple that is accessing the license. Even though there can be many advantages related to marriage, there are also many problems associated with it. A confidential marriage license (we issue these) requires no witnesses to sign the license. Theyre both just as legal and enforceable for any use and need. It is important to note that there is a time limit to have the ceremony once this license is received. What did you choose? For instance, you might have to pay large amounts of money for alimony. Although this may be true for some, marriage takes hard work, dedication, and compromise from both partners to make it successful. The process is the same whether you have a public marriage license or a confidential marriage license. Whether you should get married or not is a question that you have to answer yourself, depending on your individual preferences. Marriage is a permanent status that lasts until the death of one of . Current law allows people to make gifts of up to $12,000 a year without paying taxes, but gifts to a spouse are generally exempt from that . This website is intended to provide general information and you should not rely on this website or its contents as a source of legal advice. We as humans need a variety of different activities and tasks in order to develop in a healthy manner. One important advantage of marriage is that it provides partners with an increased level of security. Especially if you love your freedom and do not want to make any compromises, marriage will definitely not be the way to go for you since you will never be happy if you are a freedom-loving person who wants to stay flexible and experience new things all the time. The problem with marriage and the possibility of divorce is that in most cases, our laws generally favor women. There is no age requirement for the witness but the witness must be old enough to understand that they are witnessing a marriage ceremony. If this were the case, a birth certificate, passport or social security card that exhibits a full name must be presented. In Los Angeles county, confidential marriage licenses are actually a little cheaper than a public license, but couples opting for the confidential route have to pay $14 to order a. Equal rights for everyone. Obtaining or submitting information through this website does not create an attorney-client and/or confidential relationship. For instance, we have to work in a job to make money, have to take care of the kids every day and so on and there will not be too much time left to experience new exciting things. However, in a marriage, plenty of opportunities are taken away from us since there are so many obligations we have to take care of. This is the case for both confidential marriage licenses and public marriage licenses in the State of California. The Divorce Rate Is Alarmingly High. Issues in those topics are often the main drivers behind infidelity. Some people also strongly fear the thought of being lonely without a partner. 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