Are spouses obligated to have children or to try to have children?
No. Whether married or not, an individual who wants to have a child cannot be stopped from doing so (with the possible exception of a person who is in jail.) On the other hand, an individual who does not want to have a child has a legal right to obtain and use birth control. One spouse cannot legally force the other spouse to have a child. According to the United States Supreme Court, the decision of whether or not to have a child is protected by the United States Constitution under the right of privacy.
Other Marriage FAQs
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What is the legal definition of marriage?
Marriage is defined as a civil contract between two people who meet the legal requirements for getting married established by the state, which vary from state to … more -
What about same sex marriage – is this legal?
As of 2007, not unless you live in Massachusetts. Other states such as California, Vermont, New Jersey and Connecticut recognize “domestic … more -
Do I need to take a blood test in order to get married?
This depends on the state in which the wedding is taking place, because the rules vary from state to state. Numerous states ended premarital blood tests and/or … more -
What does it take to solemnize a marriage?
The concept of solemnization of the marriage literally refers to the ceremony involved. It is not enough to simply marry within the geographical limits of a state; … more -
Who can solemnize a marriage?
A person authorized to solemnize marriages must be a priest, minister or rabbi of any religious denomination...a judge or retired judge, commissioner of civil … more -
What is required to obtain a marriage license?
The requirements for the issuance of a marriage license are generally set by statute for the jurisdiction in which the marriage will occur. Generally it must state the … more -
Are blood tests required to get married?
This depends on the state in which the wedding is taking place, because the rules vary from state to state. Numerous states ended premarital blood tests and/or … more -
Is one spouse liable for the debts the other incurred before the marriage?
This depends on the state in which the married couple lives, but in general the answer is no. In states where community property (property owned in common by both … more -
What is a common law marriage?
A small minority of states allow the creation of marriage by common law. A common law marriage is one in which there is no ceremony or marriage license. The parties … more -
If people choose to live together instead of getting married, should they have a contract?
Choosing to have or not have a contract is between those two people. If a legal contract is entered into, it is enforceable in the courts of most states. Preferably, … more
Family Law Sub-categories
