Keeping the Government out of our marriage

[mrsjsea]

My fiance and I are getting married this spring, without a marriage license. I know that among this forum that is common. However, I wanted to explain some things. Before joining the site, I searched and searched for information on this subject, so I hope it will help those of you who are interested in getting married without a marriage license.

We aren't doing it for traditional reasons. I have a pre-existing condition and my benefits with my current insurance will disappear if we become legally married in the state of Florida. And with surgeries planned for November, April, September, and December, we were unsure of what to do. We consulted with a lawyer (family friend and member of our church), because we wanted to be sure that our marriage would be government free, to discuss the details of this decision.

Basically, we are having our pastor (non 501c3 church) sign a "Certificate of Matrimony" instead. It will be signed by myself (bride), groom, the pastor, and two witnesses. We are having it notarized and filed under "Family Documents" in the County Clerks office. This certificate will hold up in a court of law saying we are married.

Unfortunately this means we are going to have to jump through legal hoops. My legal last name, as recognized by the state of Florida, will stay the same. But, under natural law, my name will change among family, friends, and peers to the groom's last name. But that is fine with me, we can change it later.

Also, we will get other documents like power of attorney, wills, and etc. right after marriage to make sure everything is secure as far as future assets and insurance.


When dealing with family, we only deliberately told his parents because they asked about my surgeries. We told them, and will tell anyone else who asks, we didn't think the government has a right to dictate something God has ordained. We also told them the definition of a marriage license and explained what we were doing in regards to power of attorney and such.

So, just know that if you are thinking about this, it is possible to not have the state involved in your marriage.

 

[EBounding]

Good info. I'll pray that your surgeries go well.

Welcome to the forums!

 

[angelatc]

I have a pre-existing condition and my benefits with my current insurance will disappear if we become legally married in the state of Florida.

I don't understand this. Why would that be?

They can't refuse pre-existing conditions any more. That's one of the clauses that's driving Obamacare prices up.

 

[Kelly.]

Unfortunately this means we are going to have to jump through legal hoops. My legal last name, as recognized by the state of Florida, will stay the same. But, under natural law, my name will change among family, friends, and peers to the groom's last name. But that is fine with me, we can change it later.

curious if you have looked into legally changing your name outside of using a marriage license?
when we looked, there were 2 ways to change your name.
1. marriage certificate
2. get a judges permission to legally change it

in our case it would have been a HUGE heartache to work around the current legal framework, and we didnt see much benefit in the end.
the cost to have your last name changed started at ~$150ish, where a marriage license was $25. seems you have to get permission either to marry or to legally change your name, just the fee is different.

hopefully its easier where you are.

 

[Smart3]

My fiance and I are getting married this spring, without a marriage license. I know that among this forum that is common. However, I wanted to explain some things. Before joining the site, I searched and searched for information on this subject, so I hope it will help those of you who are interested in getting married without a marriage license.

We aren't doing it for traditional reasons. I have a pre-existing condition and my benefits with my current insurance will disappear if we become legally married in the state of Florida. And with surgeries planned for November, April, September, and December, we were unsure of what to do. We consulted with a lawyer (family friend and member of our church), because we wanted to be sure that our marriage would be government free, to discuss the details of this decision.

Basically, we are having our pastor (non 501c3 church) sign a "Certificate of Matrimony" instead. It will be signed by myself (bride), groom, the pastor, and two witnesses. We are having it notarized and filed under "Family Documents" in the County Clerks office. This certificate will hold up in a court of law saying we are married.

Unfortunately this means we are going to have to jump through legal hoops. My legal last name, as recognized by the state of Florida, will stay the same. But, under natural law, my name will change among family, friends, and peers to the groom's last name. But that is fine with me, we can change it later.

Also, we will get other documents like power of attorney, wills, and etc. right after marriage to make sure everything is secure as far as future assets and insurance.


When dealing with family, we only deliberately told his parents because they asked about my surgeries. We told them, and will tell anyone else who asks, we didn't think the government has a right to dictate something God has ordained. We also told them the definition of a marriage license and explained what we were doing in regards to power of attorney and such.

So, just know that if you are thinking about this, it is possible to not have the state involved in your marriage.

Why get married in the first place? Why don't you just tell people you're married already? I mean, this 'Certificate of Matrimony' isn't actually Christian to begin with. Nor is having a Pastor (not a biblical office) preside over your marriage.

I do hope those surgeries go well btw.

 

[torchbearer]

I don't understand this. Why would that be?

They can't refuse pre-existing conditions any more. That's one of the clauses that's driving Obamacare prices up.

There is a 6 month waiting period before pre-existing conditions are covered.
at least, that is how it works in my policy.
pre-existing being anything that you sought any kind of medical advice or attention for 90 days prior to getting your policy.
So, if I had brain cancer, and bought an insurance policy- i'd have to wait 6 months with brain cancer before they'd cover it.
while paying the higher premium. meaning, people will prepay for most of their upfront cost. and some will die before getting treatment.

I was also told by our office manager that ER bills will no longer qualify to be liquidated under CH13 bankruptcy.
it will fall into the same category as student loans.

 

[osan]

Good for you both, though I am sorry you will need surgery. Best luck on that and welcome to the forums.

 

[mrsjsea]

@angelatc: Because I have government insurance under my parents until I am 26 but only if I remain legally single without a marriage license.

We are getting "married" because my fiance thinks it is the right thing to do by my parents and my family. We'd rather have a pastor officiate our vows, than someone who is in bed with the state.

I'm not sure about the 6 months waiting period, but that would be interesting to read up on.

Thank you for the kind comments and welcoming me to the board. Hope you found that information helpful. Here is also an article I found interesting, and something that may make you reconsider getting married by the state.

http://www.heritage.org/research/re...m_medium=Social+Sharing&utm_campaign=Facebook

 

[dannno]

I was also told by our office manager that ER bills will no longer qualify to be liquidated under CH13 bankruptcy.
it will fall into the same category as student loans.

Well that's just peachy..

 

[dannno]

I created a similar thread a while back, I'm also interested in doing this although I may end up with the certificate.. who knows..