Marriage is generally defined as a civil contract between a man and woman to become husband and wife. Human civilizations throughout history have recognized marriage as a dignified and sacramental institution deep rooted in the social fabric.

The moment a man and woman marry, their relationship acquires a legal status. Married couples have financial and personal duties during marriage and after separation or divorce. State laws determine the extent of these duties. Today, society recognizes marriage as a viable social institution for procreation of races, stable structure within which to raise children, a reliable financial partnership, and a supportive emotional haven.

There are some requirements to be fulfilled by the parties before tying the knot and after. These relates to age, license, certificate, blood test, not being married to any one else etc.

Marriage brings with it certain “for families only” packages and many secular privileges to the couple as a recognition or reward to their relationship. This includes tax benefits accruing by way of filing joint income tax returns, receiving an exemption from both estate taxes and gift taxes for all property you give to your spouse, inheriting a spouse’s share, creating life estate trusts exclusively to married couples and government benefits like receiving Social Security, Medicare, and disability benefits for spouses.