Guide to Annulment of Marriage in Pennsylvania

While most marriages end with the death of one partner or a divorce, one other legal way exists for Pennsylvania residents to dissolve their marital relationship.  annulment of marriage in PA is a way to end a marriage that differs from divorce in a few key ways.  Rather than recognizing the end of a relationship, annulment of marriage in Pennsylvania voids the relationship retroactively, making it as if it had never existed.  This guide will help you understand who is eligible for an annulment of marriage in PA.

Grounds for Annulment: Void Marriages

In some situations, a marriage can be said to be void from its beginning, and in these cases it is generally fairly easy to obtain an annulment of marriage in Pennsylvania.  There are four basic ways a marriage can be considered void according to Pennsylvania law:

ñ One or both spouses is already married to another person at the time of the marriage.  This is considered bigamy, even if the spouse was separated from their former spouse, and is grounds for an annulment of marriage in PA.

ñ An annulment of marriage in Pennsylvania can be granted to anyone who has found themselves to be married to a close relative, including first cousins.

ñ When either party is incapable of consenting to the marriage (for instance, due to mental incapacity or insanity), the marital contract is void and an annulment of marriage in PA may be granted.

ñ If either person in a common law marriage was under 18, which is not allowed according to Pennsylvania state law, an annulment may be granted.

Grounds for Annulment: Voidable Marriages

While the above reasons make a marriage void immediately and are quite easily granted once a court has seen evidence, some marriages are considered voidable.  These marriages are valid until one party produces grounds for an annulment of marriage in Pennsylvania:

ñ If one person did not have court and parental consent to marry and was under 16 years of age at the time of the marriage.

ñ If one party or both was under 18 but at least 16, and did not receive parental or court consent, they may request an annulment of marriage in PA within 60 days of the marriage ceremony.

ñ If either party was intoxicated at the time of the marriage and requests an annulment of marriage in Pennsylvania within 60 days, the marriage may be considered voidable.

ñ If a party is unable to consummate the marriage physically with sexual intercourse, and this impotence is “natural and incurable,” the court may grant an annulment of marriage in PA.

ñ If one party was being defrauded, coerced or forced into marriage, the marriage is voidable. The party will need to prove that they did not voluntarily live with their spouse after being released or finding out about the fraud.

While annulment of marriage in Pennsylvania is harder to obtain than divorce, it may not always generate more benefits for either party.  You may wish to consult with a Pennsylvania divorce lawyer before deciding to begin the process of seeking an annulment of marriage in PA.

Guide to Common Law Marriage in Pennsylvania

There are many myths surrounding common law marriage in PA.  Many people believe that you are entering into a common law marriage in Pennsylvania if you cohabitate with a partner for long enough, or have children together and share a last name.  However, the truth is significantly more complex.  This guide will help you understand the realities of common law marriage in PA, and whether your common law marriage will be recognized by the state.

History of Common Law Marriage in Pennsylvania

common law marriage in PA is an expression of tradition that began in England before the founding (or, indeed, even the discovery) of the United States.  In England, a couple only had to privately say their wedding vows to each other, and were then considered married by the unwritten law (the “common law,” as it was called).  Couples married in this way had all the rights and responsibilities of any other couple, and could not remarry without an annulment or divorce.

Common law marriage in Pennsylvania adhered closely to the old doctrine of common law marriage from England.  In order to have a common law marriage in PA, two people simply had to use what were called “words of present intent” expressing that they now considered themselves married.  Once the words had been said, a common law marriage in Pennsylvania existed.  Couples who had married in this way would need to file for divorce if they wished to split up, and had the same rights as any married couple for estate purposes.

In 2003, a court decision seemed to outlaw common law marriage in PA.  The appellate court in the case said that common law marriage in Pennsylvania made it impossible for third parties, like creditors, to understand whether a couple was married or not.  The state of Pennsylvania cemented this ruling during the 2004 legislative session, pushing through a bill to end common law marriage in PA that was signed by the governor in October of that year.

Current Status of Common Law Marriage in Pennsylvania

While common law marriage in PA started in the 17th century, it survived only five years into this one.  In 2005, the state legislature stopped recognizing the validity of any new Pennsylvania law on marriage.  Couples who had entered into a common law marriage before January 2, 2005 still had their marriages recognized by the state, but no common law marriages have taken place in the state since that time.

Out of State Common Law Marriages

Even though common law marriage in PA is no longer allowed, any person who is considered common law married by their state is still married when they move out of the state.  Because of this, if you have a common law marriage in any of the ten states that still allow them, you may move to Pennsylvania without fear of losing any of the benefits of marriage.

Getting a Copy of a Marriage License in Pennsylvania

If you need to obtain a copy of a marriage license in PA for your own records or for historical or geneological research, you may not know where to begin looking.  Unlike many states, Pennsylvania does not have a statewide agency that maintains copies of marriage records, so getting a copy of a marriage license in Pennsylvania can require some sleuthing.  This guide will help you to find a copy of a marriage license in PA no matter what county your original marriage license was obtained in.  

Who Can Get a Copy?

While it may seem like the only people who should be able to obtain a copy of a marriage license in Pennsylvania are the couple or their relatives, the truth is that marriage licenses are considered public information.  Anyone who requests a copy of a marriage license in PA may obtain one, for whatever purposes they wish, as long as they pay the proper administrative fees.

Couples may wish to have an additional copy of a marriage license in Pennsylvania in order to have legal documentation of their marriage.  In other cases, someone may want to ask for a copy of a marriage license in PA to verify the facts of a marriage for investigative or research purposes.  You will not be asked for your reason when you make a request for a copy of a marriage license in Pennsylvania.  However, you will be required to have the names of both parties and the date that the marriage occurred.

Where Can I Get a Copy?

Because the state does not require the Department of Vital Records to maintain copies of marriage licenses, your only option for getting a copy of a marriage license in PA is to go through the county courthouse where the license was originally obtained.  Every county courthouse in the state maintains its own copies of records.

Ordering a Copy of a Marriage License in Pennsylvania Online

Some counties allow people to order a marriage license copy through the internet.  This is substantially easier than making a mail request, and may represent the best option by far for people who are no longer located in the county where they need to request the license.  While Philadelphia does not allow people to order a copy of a marriage license online.

Commemorative Certificates

If you want a copy of a marriage license in PA so that you can have a memento of your marriage, many counties offer commemorative certificates that can be displayed by spouses.  These commemorative certificates serve the same purpose as a copy of a marriage license in Pennsylvania, but have a more attractive look than the typical computer printout of a license.  You can request information about commemorative certificates from your local county clerk.

Getting a Marriage Certificate in Pennsylvania

If you have been married in Pennsylvania or are doing investigation or research into a marriage that took place in the state, you may be wondering how to get an official copy of the certificate.  Pennsylvania has no state agency that keeps a copy of every marriage certificate in PA, so you will need to work with your county courthouse to find the marriage records you're looking for.  This guide will teach you how to get a marriage certificate in Pennsylvania whether you're a newly-married couple, someone who needs a duplicate copy, or someone who is conducting research.

Your Original Marriage Certificate in Pennsylvania

Newlyweds in Pennsylvania will sign their marriage license, and then send it to the county courthouse where they were married.  Your first marriage certificate in PA can be sent to you soon after your marriage is complete.  You may need to have a copy of your marriage certificate in Pennsylvania to prove that you are married for insurance purposes or government documents.

In order to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate in PA, you will need to write to the clerk of the court for the county where the marriage took place.  Some counties may also offer telephone or internet searches, with credit card payment, if you need a copy of a marriage certificate in Pennsylvania.  To find out what options your county courthouse offers for obtaining records of a marriage certificate in PA, you will need to contact them.  

Certified Marriage Certificates

For many government documents, it is not enough to have simply a copy of a marriage certificate in Pennsylvania.  A certified marriage certificate in PA is required in order for a woman to change her name on her Social Security card.  You may also be required to show an employer a certified marriage certificate in Pennsylvania if you are trying to add your spouse to an insurance plan.  

Obtaining a certified marriage certificate in PA is usually fairly easy, but may cost slightly more than having a non-certified marriage certificate.  Typically, costs remain low for obtaining a marriage certificate in Pennsylvania—you can often pay as little as $10 even for a certified copy.  You may want to check with your county courthouse to see what is currently charged for a copy of a marriage certificate in PA in your county.

Non-Certified Marriage Certificates

Not everyone needs the official state seal on their marriage certificate in Pennsylvania.  If you only need to verify the information on a marriage record or do research on a marriage, you may be able to purchase a copy of a non-certified marriage certificate in PA.  These certificates may not be appropriate for the purposes of some government forms, but they will allow you to do research or investigation more cheaply.  For instance, in Allegheny County, while a certified copy of a marriage certificate in Pennsylvania will cost $10, a non-certified copy costs just $4.

How to Obtain Copies of Marriage Licenses: Texas 

Receiving a Copy of Marriage License in Texas 

Receiving copies of marriage licenses in Texas is quite easy as long as you follow a few steps.  These steps are listed in this article, as well as information about Texas County Courts and things you may need to bring with you when requesting a copy of marriage license in Texas.  

Step 1: Visit your County Court

The first step to obtaining copies of marriage licenses in Texas is calling or traveling to the County Court in your jurisdiction.  

Some counties give you the option to send in a request by mail for a copy of marriage license in Texas, and you’ll want to ask the clerk what steps you should take to request by mail.  Contact information is located farther below in this article.  

Step 2: Bring All Necessary Items

You’ll want to bring all the following items with you:

• Identification: Texas law requires you to bring your driver’s license, birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID car, or your Social Security number.  You won’t have to bring all these items, but you will need at least one in order to receive a copy of marriage license in Texas.  

• Divorce Decree: You must wait 30 days after a divorce becomes official in order to obtain copies of marriage licenses in Texas.  The divorce decree must state that the 30 day waiting period is waived, you can obtain a copy of the divorce decree from your area’s district court.  Contact information is listed farther below in this article.  

Step 3: Pay the Fee

The clerk will answer any questions you have, will have to pay a fee for one copies and a reduced fee for any additional copies of marriage licenses in Texas.  For example, the Tarrant County Court charges $21.00 for the first copy, and $10 for any additional copy you may want at the same time  Some counties charge up to $71 after all the fees, so prepare for a range in price.  

Fees range by county and district in Texas, and some of these fees for the copy of marriage License in Texas are not posted on the websites of the County Court.  The clerk will notify you of fees when you travel to or call the court.  

But note, as of 2008, your fee will be waived for the copy of marriage license in Texas you complete 8 hours of premarital preparation courts.  

How do I find County Court Contact Information? 

If you want copies of marriage licenses in Texas and need contact information for the County Court, there is an easy way to find contact information for every County Court in TX.  

Then, select your county from the range of counties, and press Go.  You’ll find contact information for all County Clerks and you’ll have an easy time obtaining copies of marriage licenses in Texas. 

How to Obtain Copies of Marriage Licenses in Michigan 

Receiving a Copy of Marriage License: Michigan

There are two ways you can receives copies of marriage licenses in Michigan: you can fill out a simple for and send it to vital records, or you can go to your local county clerk and receive the forms there.  If you want to submit a form to vital records for a copy of marriage license in Michigan.  

After you have completed all the necessary information on the form, you send the form to the following address:  

Vital Records Requests (or Vital Records RUSH if you need the form quickly)

PO Box 30721

Lansing, MI 48909

If you want to obtain copies of marriage licenses in Michigan through your county court, follow the directions in the section listed below.  

Step 1: Visit your Probate Court

The first step to obtaining copies of marriage licenses in Michigan is calling or traveling to the county court in your jurisdiction.  

Some counties give you the option to send in a request by mail, but many courts require you to show proper identification in person with the clerk.  If you do have the option to send in a request through the mail, make sure you follow all of the steps listed below very carefully.  

Step 2: Bring all Necessary Items for copies of marriage licenses in Michigan

You’ll want to bring the following items with you in order to obtain the copy of marriage license in Michigan:

• Identification: Michigan law requires you to bring your driver’s license, birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID car, or your Social Security number.  You won’t have to bring all these items, but you will need at least one so the clerk can verify your identity.

• Divorce Decree: If you were in another marriage and went through a divorce, you’ll need to bring a copy of the divorce decree with you to the county clerk.  The same rules apply for obtaining copies of marriage licenses in Michigan if you are a widow.  

Step 3 Pay the Fee for the Copy of Marriage License in Michigan

In order to obtain the first copy of marriage license in Michigan, you’ll usually have to pay $26 for the first copy you receive—and this fee may range from county to county.  For more copies of marriage licenses in Michigan, you’ll only have to pay $12 for each, and there are other fees associated with how fast you need the form.   

Because fees may range in the state of Michigan from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, you’ll want to call the clerk and ask them about the fees so you can properly prepare.  The county clerk is not allowed to verify a copy of marriage license in Michigan if you fail to bring a valid form of identification or the proper amounts of payment. 

Guide to Common Law Marriage in Kentucky

There are many myths about the institution of common law marriage.  Many people believe that two people will be considered to be in a common law marriage in KY if they live together for a certain number of years, or if they have children together and call each other husband and wife.  The truth is substantially more complex, and many people who believe they have a common law marriage in Kentucky may actually find themselves in a precarious legal situation when it comes to probate or child custody.  This guide will help you understand what couples have a common law marriage in KY, and what legal alternatives exist to common law marriages.

History of Common Law Marriage in Kentucky

Common law marriage in KY has a history that goes back to medieval England.  According to unwritten English law (or “common law”), a couple that swore marriage vows to each other was considered married regardless of whether they had witnesses or an officiant.  Under the common law, a couple who had a common law marriage in Kentucky was considered legally married.  They would be entitled to inherit each other's assets and would have to file for divorce in order to legally dissolve their partnership.

However, as Kentucky and other U.S. states began to encode laws in writing, many states decided to stop recognizing common law marriage.  In 1852, the state stopped recognizing common law marriage in KY.  Couples who previously had a common law marriage in Kentucky were required to take legal marriage vows in order to maintain their relationship.

Is Common Law Marriage in Kentucky Legal Today?

Common law marriage in KY has not been legal for over 150 years.  No matter how long you and your significant other have been living in the same household, you are not considered husband and wife.  Marriage vows must be accompanied by a valid Kentucky marriage license in order to make a wedding legal in the state of Kentucky.

Alternatives to Common Law Marriage in Kentucky

Many people wish, for various reasons, to have some benefits of marriage with a cohabiting partner even if they do not wish to take wedding vows.  In these cases, you may want to hire an attorney who can help you create a legal relationship that would give you some of the same benefits as a common law marriage in KY.  For instance, if you were interested in a common law marriage in Kentucky due to a desire to inherit a partner's property, you may want to talk to an estate lawyer about writing your will to ensure that your wishes are followed.

Common Law Marriages from Other States

A small number of people are permitted to have a common law marriage in KY.  These are people who have moved to Kentucky from one of the states that still allows common law marriage.  If you were considered common law married in another state, you will automatically maintain your common law marriage in Kentucky when you move there.  This is due to the Constitution's “full faith and credit” clause, and is not likely to change in the foreseeable future.

Guide to Getting a Marriage Certificate in Kentucky

If you need a marriage certificate in KY, whether you recently married or are looking for records for research or investigation, the process for obtaining one is relatively simple.  You can get a marriage certificate in Kentucky from either a county courthouse or the state.  This guide will teach you how to obtain a marriage certificate in KY and who is eligible to get marriage certificates.  You'll also learn about the costs of obtaining a certified marriage certificate in Kentucky.

Who May Obtain a Marriage Certificate in Kentucky?

While it may seem like someone's marriage certificate in KY is a highly personal document, in truth, they are considered public records at the state level and are therefore available to any interested member of the public.  The Open Records Act allows citizens to request copies of any marriage certificate in Kentucky.  

Many people have a reason to need a copy of a marriage certificate in KY that is not their own.  For instance, people interested in geneological research, or spouses researching a current spouse's previous marriage may want to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate in Kentucky to confirm information.  You will not be asked for your reasons when you request a marriage certificate in KY.  Instead, you will simply be required to provide the names of both parties and the approximate date when the marriage occurred. 

Marriage Certificates for Married Couples

There are several reasons that a married couple may want an extra copy of their marriage certificate in Kentucky.  If a spouse is changing his or her last name on his or her Social Security documentation, he or she must submit an official certified copy of his or her marriage certificate in KY to the Social Security office.  You may also need a copy of your marriage certificate in Kentucky in order to add a spouse to workplace-offered health insurance for spouses and dependents.

If you still live in the county where you initially obtained your marriage certificate in KY, it is easy to get an additional copy.  The clerk at the county courthouse maintains a copy of every marriage certificate in Kentucky filed at that courthouse.  You may obtain your marriage certificate in KY by visiting the courthouse in person or by using the mail.  To find contact information for your county clerk's office so that you can obtain your marriage certificate in Kentucky, check out this website: https://courts.ky.gov/counties/.

Marriage Certificates for Research

Often, people who are conducting research and need a copy of a marriage certificate in KY live far from the county courthouse where the marriage license was issued.  In this case, it may be easier to obtain the marriage certificate in Kentucky that you are searching for by contacting the state's Office of Vital Records.  For $6, this office will provide you with a copy of any marriage certificate in KY from 1958 or afterward.  In order to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate in Kentucky from prior to 1958, you will need to contact the county clerk's office.

Getting a Copy of a Marriage License in Kentucky

Many people have a reason for needing a copy of a marriage license in Kentucky.  Some people need to get a new copy of a marriage license in KY so that they can get married to the spouse of their choosing.  Other people may want to have an additional copy of a marriage license in Kentucky in order to prove that they are married for government forms or insurance documentation.  Still others need a copy of a marriage license in KY for investigative or research purposes.  No matter why you need a copy of a marriage license in Kentucky, this guide can help you find where to obtain it.

Obtaining an Initial Copy of a Marriage License in Kentucky

When you seek out your first copy of a marriage license in KY, you should go to your local county clerk's office to fill out the license application.  In order to receive your copy of a marriage license in Kentucky, you and your spouse will need to fill out forms and pay a fee that can vary by county.  You can usually expect it to cost less than $50 to get your initial copy of a marriage license in KY.

Once you have a copy of a marriage license in Kentucky, you may get married in any county in the state.  After your marriage ceremony is performed, you and your spouse, as well as the officiant at your wedding, will sign and date the license form.  Only after your copy of a marriage license in KY has been signed and witnessed will your marriage be valid.

Obtaining a Duplicate Copy of a Marriage License in Kentucky

If you are already married, you may find that insurance or government paperwork requires you to obtain a new copy of a marriage license in KY to prove that you are married.  In order to obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate in Kentucky, you will need to contact the office of the county clerk in the county where you were married.

A certified copy of a marriage certificate in Kentucky is usually relatively inexpensive, and can be obtained by mail or in person in all counties.  You may also be able in some counties to get a copy of a marriage license in Kentucky by ordering online.  Paying with a credit or debit card may result in a transaction fee being assessed by the county clerk's office.

Obtaining a Copy of a Marriage License in Kentucky for Research

You don't need to be one of the spouses listed in the license to obtain a copy of a marriage license in KY.  If you are doing research or investigation and want to find out about the details of a marriage, you may ask for a copy of a marriage certificate in Kentucky at either the office of the county clerk, or the state's Office of Vital Statistics.  The cost for obtaining a certified copy of a marriage license in Kentucky from the Office of Vital Statistics is $6.  You may order a copy of a marriage license in KY online from this website: https://www.vitalchek.com/kentucky-express-birth-certificates.aspx.

A brief guide to obtaining a marriage certificate in Alabama

For a marriage to be legally recognized, two spouses must make sure to obtain all proper documentation. Marriage certificates in Alabama are a record issued by your county court certifying that you have taken all the proper steps necessary to have your relationship legally recognized. 

In order to be legally married, the first step is to apply for a marriage license. This document will be recorded as part of your marriage certificate in Alabama. If the people marrying are 16 or 17 years of age, their parents must come to the county court in person to sign a document affirming that they are permitting the marriage. American citizens who are 18 years or older only need their drivers' license in order to obtain marriage certificates in Alabama. Aliens will need to provide their passport as well as their visa in order to obtain this document.

A marriage must be performed within 30 days of receiving a license. If this period has expired and the ceremony has not been executed, you will need to apply for another license. This license will be documented on your marriage certificate in Alabama. Maintain copies of all documents related to your marriage. You will need copies of marriage certificates in Alabama if seeking a divorce or making a claim to a spouse's estate.

Alabama is one of only ten states that recognizes common law marriages. This means that couples which do not receive a marriage certificate in Alabama may still have their relationship legally recognized for tax purposes or other reasons. However, bear in mind that this will not apply if you and your spouse relocate to another state which does not recognize common law marriage. In such cases, you may want to be formally married for a marriage certificate in Alabama that will establish your relationship wherever you are.

People who wish to receive a copy of this document will need to get in touch with the Vital Records office of the Alabama Center for Health Statistics. This government office maintains copies of all marriage certificates in Alabama issued from 1936 onwards. Any person who can pay the $15 fee necessary for this search and provide all relevant information may conduct this search. If you are looking for copies of marriages certificates in Alabama issued before 1936, you will need to get in touch with the probate office in the county where the ceremony was performed.

You must provide enough information for this document to be located. In order to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate in Alabama, your request should include:

• The full names of both spouses

• The location where the ceremony was performed

• The date the ceremony was performed

• Your contact information, including an address and telephone number

There is a $6 fee for copies of marriage certificates in Alabama. You may request as many copies as are necessary. Requests for a search for marriage certificates in Alabama can be conducted in person at a county health department or by mail.