Marriage
The legal union of a man and a woman as husband and wife
What is marriage
The law recognizes mutual duties of the wife and husband and calls those duties
What is marital consortium
This type of marriage creates no rights or duties for either party and is considered invalid from the beginning
These still remain in place in about 20 states between the time a couple applies for their marriage license and when they can "tie the knot".
What is a waiting period
What is the term used to describe marriages between parties who are closely related, such as siblings or direct lineal ascendants?
What is Consanguinity
All the states but one require both party to be this age to marry without parental consent
What is 18
What are parental rights
The method usually used to end a marriage
What is divorce
Most states provide some type of equitable distribution of this type of property upon the dissolution of a marriage
What is marital property
What is the term used to describe a spouse who was under the statutory age at the time of marriage without the necessary consent?
What is Nonage
A man and woman who live together outside of marriage are said to
What is cohabitate
This acquired during the marriage may be kept in the name of the husband, the wife, or both
What is property
In this type of divorce proceeding, the requesting spouse does not have to list a grievance against the other
What is no-fault divorce
According to this act adopted in most states, there are 5 factors a court must considering when awarding custody
What is the Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act
A marriage that is valid but can be declared invalid due to an existing impediment.
What is a voidable marriage
If only one party wants out of the contract (of marriage) and refuses to perform, this type of suit may be brought by the other party
What is breach-of-promise
By entering into this type of agreement, the marital partners-to-be typically give up any future claim they might have to part or all of the other's property
What is a prenuptial agreement
In most no-fault states, these are stated as the legal reason for dissolution
What are irreconcilable differences
Support paid by one of the marital partners to the other during separation and after divorce, if ordered by the court
The legal term for the action a deprived spouse can take against a third party who diverts the affection of their spouse?
What is alienation of affections
The law recognizes this type of marriage that occurs when a single woman and a single man live together, share common property, and hold themselves out ad husband and wife over a prolonged period of time
What is common-law
The actions of one spouse may incur this for the other
What is liability
To alter marital rights and obligations, parties or their lawyers must negotiate this
This decree or judgement in the form of a court order officially declares that the marriage is over
What are the 3 essential requirements for a valid common law marriage?
What is consent, cohabitation, public acknowledgment as spouses