Many people have told me different things and I am wondering if any of you know the answer to my question.
Is there a economic benefit to getting legally married as opposed to living common-law?
Are there tax cuts for individuals who are married opposed to those who live common-law?
2007-03-23 09:43:52 · 4 answers · asked by Lily M 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
The person who wrote: "Depends what country you're in" is quite right! If you're in most of the Arab world...the benefits are almost non-existent; the only one being that if you're NOT married, then you're usually an outcast and if poor, a beggar (look at how the Afghan gov't treats women!).
As for the US, there are some benefits, such as being able to sue for alimony and child support (with more ease), if divorce happens, and having more of a say in your spouse's and children's medical care, for instance. Even a non-working spouse can claim they're owed for their contribution in monetary terms, after divorce.
Estate planning for a couple (bank accounts, stocks, inheritance, etc.) would also be easier if you're legally married.
Aside from that, and tax cuts, I can't think of any real advantages. My first relationship (13 yrs.) was "common law" and neither of us suffered from it at all. Of course, we had no kids and little property, so that seems to be the main advantage.
2007-03-23 10:21:21 · answer #1 · answered by Gwynneth Of Olwen 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Major tax breaks for married people. For me and my wife, getting married gave us each an extra $100 or so per paycheck just from the change in filing status.
No need for probate if one should die and a big saving on inheritance tax.
2007-03-23 16:55:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
See the following for the 1,049 legal benefits to marriage:
http://www.gao.gov/archive/1997/og97016.pdf
2007-03-23 16:53:24 · answer #3 · answered by Jay 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on what country you live in.
2007-03-23 17:01:48 · answer #4 · answered by ati-atihan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋