2006-08-04 05:47:48 · 38 answers · asked by la calenita 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Other - Family & Relationships
It will sure help with taxes.
2006-08-04 05:51:23 · answer #1 · answered by johngrobmyer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it wasn't important after the first why should it be important now? You've both already shown that you are committed to each other (at least I hope so) and by most state laws you are already husband and wife (common law marriage). At this point marriage would be a formality and is more of a technical issue than a commitment issue. You may decided to do it because it's easier for you and the kids (you would all have the same last name) and it would show your kids that marriage is important (if you want to teach them that).
2006-08-04 05:56:30 · answer #2 · answered by Twigless 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You didnt specify in what way you are wondering if it is important.
Also, assuming by "kids together" you mean that one of you is the biological mother, and one of you is the biological father, or that they were adopted in to your family.
a) For legal and financial responsibility toward the kids, it may not matter so much, since courts will place a burden of financial support on both parents of kids, regardless of the parents relationship to each other.
b) Taxes - marriage usually means tax benefits, but there may be special circumstances that a tax advisor could fill you in on.
c) For traditional family sake, it's a bit late. You would have wanted to do that long ago.
d) For the sake of making family members feel better, it probably would be beneficial. Sometimes relatives can be annoying to the point that doing something just for their sake becomes worth it. ;)
e) For financial security due to a loss of life for one of you, it may be important for estate purposes. See an estate planner for that. Else, you may end up paying all kinds of death taxes.
f) As a moral indicator for you kids, some would argue yes.
g) As a way of dedicating yourselves to each other for a long term relationship, I can't think of a better way.
Check the Common Law criteria in your state.
You may already be married, or close to it, in the eyes of your state.
2006-08-04 06:03:17 · answer #3 · answered by Gonzo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not at all. If you love him & share a home together, & and a family. You do not need a piece of paper to keep it going, or validate it. Trust me, talking from experience MARRIAGE changes everything. If it's good now, & you are both happy, just leave it as it is. I have been married for 1.5 years, & we have had more problems than you can imagine. It was great b4 we got married, & I should have left it alone. Good luck!!
2006-08-04 05:53:11 · answer #4 · answered by AL 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it's important....For you, your kids, and everything... Make it right and live a good life...It must be good cause you have 4 kids...You're married in every sense, just make it legal what if your mate died and you were not legally married....I had that kind of situation to happened when my dad died with his girlfriend was not pretty....Your kids need to know the value of having a real family and the benefit of it....Just do it....
2006-08-04 05:56:48 · answer #5 · answered by "gg" 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it should be important for a number of reasons. I don't know what the common laws are in your state but if you partner dies tomorrow, you are not legally his wife, therefore you are not entitled to any Social security benefits or your home, or your car or whatever you have acquired together in the last five years. So yes, it is important for the sake of your children and their future as well as morally correct.
2006-08-04 05:52:40 · answer #6 · answered by college@44 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
5 years - 4 kids and you wonder if getting married is important. Guess not since your not married yet
2006-08-04 06:02:37 · answer #7 · answered by Mit 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thats a personal decision. In some states soon you will be common-law married. Some people dont need a piece of paper to show their committment to one another. (Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell). If you feel committed and happy and dont need a piece of paper then who cares about what others think.
2006-08-04 05:52:32 · answer #8 · answered by taz4x4512 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are probably common law married already. If it is important to your kids, it should be important to you, but really, just make sure you are covered legally and can access your spouse if he is injured and be in charge of the estate if he dies.
2006-08-04 05:52:06 · answer #9 · answered by justaquestioner 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not necessarily, marriage only gives you some legal protection or religious security. At the end of the day all that matters is your love and respect for each and this can be found outside of marriage.
2006-08-04 05:51:41 · answer #10 · answered by oxalisb 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably, but not required. The important thing is that there is love and caring happening. Legally, everyone is safer if you are married though. It does show commitment.
2006-08-04 05:51:55 · answer #11 · answered by kurticus1024 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋