Law
Marriage laws are established by individual states. There are two methods of receiving state recognition of a marriage: common law marriage and obtaining a marriage license. Common-law marriage is no longer permitted in most states. Though federal law does not regulate state marriage law, it does provide for rights and responsibilities of married couples that differ from those of unmarried couples. Reports published by the General Accounting Office in 1997 and 2004 identified over 1000 such laws.
Read more about this topic: Marriage In The United States
Famous quotes containing the word law:
“Making it a valid law to learn by suffering.”
—Aeschylus (525–456 B.C.)
“We’re the victims of a disease called social prejudice, my child. These dear ladies of the law and order league are scouring out the dregs of the town. C’mon be a glorified wreck like me.”
—Dudley Nichols (1895–1960)
“Nothing in the world is single;
All things by a law divine
In one spirit meet and mingle.
Why not I with thine?”
—Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822)