What does lawful spouse mean?

What does lawful spouse mean?

Lawful Spouse means the person to whom Executive (i) is legally married as of Executive’s Annuity Starting Date and (ii) has been legally married for at least twelve months prior to Executive’s Annuity Starting Date.

How does the law define marriage?

Definition. The legal union of a couple as spouses. The basic elements of a marriage are: (1) the parties’ legal ability to marry each other, (2) mutual consent of the parties, and (3) a marriage contract as required by law. See also Common-Law Marriage.

Are marriage laws state or federal?

Under the United States Constitution, the regulation of marriage as a general rule is a matter of state law, not federal.

When did marriage become law?

eighth century

Does the Constitution define marriage?

Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Neither this Constitution or the constitution of any State, nor state or federal law, shall be construed to require that marital status or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups.

What is in a marriage contract?

A marriage contract is an agreement signed before or after a wedding that provides a private and custom-made set of rules for dividing the couple’s property should they separate and divorce or die.

Is Article 12 an absolute right?

Article 12 is a qualified right which allows people to marry under English law. Certain patients who are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 are not able to get married or enter into a civil partnership.

Is there a marriage contract?

There are several different types of agreements related to marriage. The main contract is the marriage contract itself, which is your agreement to marry your spouse. The pre-nuptial agreement will also include how property and assets acquired during the marriage should be divided in the event of a divorce.