In addition to what was said above, the U.S. Constitution does have the "full faith and credit" clause. This means that if you are legally married in one state, the other states have to honor the marriage as legal.

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Originally Posted by spiffyris23

My better half is really into constitutional law (this takes presidence over all other laws if you are a soviern born person of the us, and i was born here). What paperwork is needed say for a court system to recognise a marrage? certificate, signature from a priest or minister? any info can and will help. please make answers in english i am not a college professor. Thanks

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I'm stepping into this late - this is from March - but I never understand the "only a piece of paper argument" in a long term relationship. OP doesn't believe in marriage but has no problem receiving married people benefits - for example, filing joint taxes. IRS says you have to be legally married to file jointly, not married in a certain religion but not in the eyes of the State. Check the Regs. Then talk to your CPA.

My other problem with this is benefits if one or the other dies - no SS; unless there's a Will no automatic inheritance; all of those problems.

I never planned on being a widow nor does anyone else - but in a case of a long-term illness or disability or death you could very well be standing outside, in the dark, with no legal rights.