So is it still marriage if there are no legal binding documents involved?

Question

Did the bible say we have to be legally married or would a commitment ceremony count? Marriage is kinda scary these days. Im down for it but im not down to take on someone’s possible debts and potential financial burdens.  #FeelFreeToList #ToHaveandToHold

HighValue · Accepted Answer

Get a prenuptial agreement that states that whatever assets or debts each of you has that only has one person's name on it is 100% that person's asset/debt. That should be good enough.

Religiously a marriage doesn't need to be legal by the government, and actually some marriages done legally are not legitimate religiously. For example, it needs to be by a man (in Christian religions) preacher or priest. the ones done by a judge or by a person that gets certified online (that is legally binding these days) does not count religiously.

For me I would get married religiously, but I do not like getting married legally.

ZackBan · Accepted Answer

I loved to france recently here they do a thing called "pax" which is basically a legal commited relationship, it can end anytime unlike marriage and they are not responsible for eachothers finances but it comes in handy if they have kids or get tax reduction for having a partner. It's a neat option to get the benefits of marriage without taking on the legal risks that come with it.

Joeshamo · Answer

A lot of young people are expected to have conventional relationships in an unconventional society. Times of change & a lot of people have a hard time communicating & being honest how they feel. Sometimes you think you & the person you're with are compatible with each other, but then after the honey phase is over you see their true colors & realize they were just being passive & were too insecure to tell you anything you did wrong. It's the whole thinking marriages are sunshine & rainbows is the problem. Sometimes the only thing you got going on in a marriage is just you like how the person looks when they're in shape & just enjoy sex with them. People say prenuptial agreements are not romantic, but marriage & relationships aren't a Disney fantasy. You might think it is when you look at social media & see cute pictures of a couple together, but that's not reality. You have to ask the person what do I mean to you & why do you want to be with specially. A lot of people are very depictive. When a marriage ends it's usually for selfish reasons. The two in the marriage are just taking stabs at each other & they don't care about their kids. They just want the other person to feel like shit rather care about their children. Teach their kids to hate their ex partner. Yes, if the person was abusive they deserve, but if the person just wanted a young model or just wanted to find themselves, it's really selfish. It means that person was just agree with everything their partner was saying just because they didn't want to be alone. Their is beauty in the tradition of marriage. Like being monogamist, but a lot of people treat it like it's all about them & how they feel. If you just admit all you want is the sex & a sexy body then that's a step forward in keeping your family together & then you slowly develop a bond rather attack each other & make the individual person seem like that bad & you're the moral arbiter & they did you wrong. Honestly how far have we gotten with shitting on individual & making them feel insecure because it makes you feel good to see them suffer. The angry & the hatred goes no where. I say just live life to make yourself & others laugh along with you even during the hard times. Living life for the laughs sounds silly & stupid, but it's sound better than what most people are doing today. How does it help the stupid when the teacher singles out a student struggling with the subject saying "Why are you not getting it? Everyone else is getting it.", where has the gotten us. Some people need math to be simplified, so they can understand. It's nothing wrong with the Individual; they just need more help. Something I realize in class is saying I don't understand is the most important thing you can do for yourself. But so many people feel ashamed & scared to be honest. Just make yourself & others laugh in a good way. Sometimes you need to laugh at yourself to help those negative feelings go away.

RearEntryGuy · Answer

1) Adam and Eve "married" without other humans around, no legal document, and possibly no consummation that day.

2) Jesus was born a bastard before Joseph and Mary registered as husband and wife under the Roman rule.

PS: but Joseph was about to "divorce" Mary after knowing her pregnancy. Hence verbal agreement to marriage has certain social recognition at that time.

3) when Paul wrote about marriage in 1 Corinthians 7, he did not mention legal registration. He just mention if a man need sex, get married.

In other words, the sole purpose of marriage is to "avoid fornication". Childbearing was not mention, except not to make them bastards.

To conclude, if you use the Bible as a basis, the "marriage institution" was established without legal documentation and Christians should marry if they are "burned with passion".

PS: It's up to you to decide if the "obeying the authority" law is to be read with 1 Corinthians 7.

hi_it_is_me123 · Answer

Yes but the legal way of marriage is the best way to know that the guy does not use you for sex. Men can get any girl at any age but women can't afford this. Our age and bodycount is often a factor for guys. So this is why i dont date any guy, who want to waste my bodycount and youth. If you are not going to marry me soon, i am not going to spend a second of my valuable youth for you. If many men did not care about youth and bodycount, majority of women would not care about legal way of marriage. If you hate it that women want to marry in a legal way then dont care about bodycount/age so that women dont have to worry about these things anymore. I wish i could have the privilige men have. It sounds like a dream that you can make caarer and educate yourself till in your 30s when you become wealthier and can get a hot young guy at any ahe due to your job, stability, wealth etc. I really dont understand why men complain about this. You can get all of this with some work while women can't change their age and bodycount. Majority of women ain't even mature enough due to brain development. So women are expected to find her dream guy while her maturity and personality ain't stable due to brain development that continue till in your mid 20s and for some men you hit the wall when you reach your mid 20s aka when your brain development finished. How sick, unfair and disgusting is that?

Subarugirl · Answer

Biblically, marriages were legal contracts, and legally binding, enforced by the religious elders and community of that time, similar to the way they are today. The bible also clearly states that premarital sex is sin. In Malachi 2:14, marriage is described as is a holy covenant before God. In the Jewish custom, God's people signed a written agreement at the time of the marriage to seal the covenant. The marriage ceremony, therefore, is meant to be a public demonstration of a couple's commitment to a covenant relationship. It's not the "ceremony" that's important; it's the couple's covenant commitment before God and men.

Student loans are not the spouses responsibility, if your spouse dies or you get divorced you are not held responsible for their student debt unless you have co-signed..

Getting married to someone does not automatically transfer his or her past debts to you. For couples staying in regions where common law is in place, debts remain an individual responsibility; hence each partner is singularly responsible for any debt individually accrued.

How ever the question that you asked contradicts... if you are concerned about what counts as a biblical marriage, that you should also be concerned with that that means.

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24, ESV) So biblically you as individuals become a singular unit, what's his is yours and what's yours is his.

In Malachi 2:14, marriage is described as is a holy covenant before God. In the Jewish custom, God's people signed a written agreement at the time of the marriage to seal the covenant. The marriage ceremony, therefore, is meant to be a public demonstration of a couple's commitment to a covenant relationship. It's not the "ceremony" that's important; it's the couple's covenant commitment before God and men.

CarolineW · Answer

In the UK, if you live for a period of time with someone as man and wife, but without officially getting married, they become your "common law" husband or wife. You are husband and wife as far as the law is concerned, but it is unlikely that you would be responsible for debts incurred by your partner before you met. Whatever country you are in, if you are concerned you need to have a serious conversation with your partner before going ahead, and make it absolutely clear, in writing if necessary, that you will not, under any circumstances, be taking on their debts or liabilities

InventorofWarp · Answer

This question is so ridiculously broad.
What denomination are you?
Are you Catholic or Protestant?
What is he, is he the same as you?
Are his views consistent with yours?

Professionally, as a Protestant Minister, yes, it does have to be legally binding for it to be considered sacrosanct. Protestant Lutheranism is different from Catholicism. Both require a Priest to oversee and officiate the ceremony under God but it isn't truly a "union" under the Protestant church unless some form of official document is made available as proof for God and Men.
Personally? I really don't give a fuck because I'm a Minister and not a Priest and marriage doesn't concern me all that much.

Finchie40 · Answer

That’s why you don’t marry until you know for sure your partner has your back and standing by your side no matter what and you know everything about them , If there is no legal binding documents then no you aren’t legally married , but if you both choose to be together and treat each other like you are married that’s between the both of you , it just comes down to your beliefs in marriage , some people choose to stay together and not get married period so again it comes down to your beliefs , If you are a believer in God then the appropriate thing to do is get Married Legally

t-8900 · Answer

A ceremony means our heavenly Father recognizes you as married. You are through Him married at that point and His recognition is what matters most. But when you legally marry your savings, income, all that become one. It's scary you need to think about a prenup with someone. Would you be okay with it if he's making lots more than you and cheats and kicks you to the curb? Women usually win out in divorce, not men. If you are worried you need to consider all your avenues. If he cheats and has affairs surely he should pay you for that anguish in divorce. But really I think if you are worried about such things then he's maybe not the right one. Before anything else you need that emotional and mental compatibility and have similar end goals for kids and family. He might not share all your same interests or want to do all the same things. But things fall into place naturally and you just kinda know you're with who you bare meant to be with.

TheorionMage · Answer

Amid Pagans there is a witnessed commitment both to one another in the belief of being before their Deity and in the presence of others of their community. EACH will be held to their 'honor'-ing that pledge as witnessed by their community as manifest of their Character. Most commonly this is called 'hand-fasting' and exists to provide clear lines of parental inheritance of 'real' estate... gold, weapons, physical assets. Some offer a probationary pairing "for a year and a day" abstaining from 'conception' (not necessarily copulation) others consider offspring conceived as to be raised 'communal obligation'.

The old English term: 'Sire' literally means to be male who conceived the child. He whom 'fathered' the village. Once long ago before DNA paternity tests, the would-be Bride spent her 'wedding night' in the bed of the village's Chieftan and her Groom got 'sloppy seconds' the next morning. Fealty from the offspring was thus assured.

humpbackjack · Answer

The only benefit I can come up with is you get a tax break and really I don’t even know if that’s true or not and if it is is it worth it I’d do the commitment ceremony plus a lot of states have common law marriages which covers a lot of the divorce type shit of course if dude has a fat bank account dies without a will and would want you to get everything I’m not sure if common law would beat next of kin just go do some free consultation with a couple lawyers and ask the important questions like if he dies who gets his money

BillyBalls · Answer

The government at any level should not be involved in "the marriage business". No couple should have to get a license to get married.

Any financial arrangements between couple should be written down before "marrying".

When it comes to kids, each parent should be equally liable financially for the support of the kid.

Freespirit777 · Answer

There are no guarantees in any area of life. But, it pays to approach marriage carefully. I have known men who marry a woman who has a large credit card debt that they were unaware of. These women spent through the man’s savings and divorced them, and marry another man sex months later. I am sure it works the other way. I would imagine this has been going on since caveman days. I am not qualified to speak of prenups this is something for a lawyer. I would advise a one year engagement to see how they really are. Most narcissists can’t fool people in a long term basis.

Hispanic-Cool-Guy · Answer

Yes, it is. Marriage according to the Bible doesn't involve a piece of paper that the government hands out.

Marriage according to the Bible is a man who leaves his father and mother and becomes one with his wife.

Commitment between a man and woman til death separates them.

Marriage according to your culture and nearly all cultures have a wedding ceremony where family, friends and community recognize the man and woman as husband and wife.

Moreover, we legally decide to be recognize by the state for certain benefits that comes with having a legally Marriage document that declares a man and woman husband and wife.

B4852 · Answer

This is a good question. And I'd say yes.

People like to say that marriage is a social construct as an excuse to say that marriage is old fashioned and just a way to transfer property.

However if that is their point of view of marriage I believe that they have a very primitive view of marriage.

True marriage is something much deeper and beyond paper contracts. It's something that is personal and individual. Which is one of many reasons a hate that the government is involved with marriage in any way shape or form.

Aerissa_Jade · Answer

Don't live in a community property state, and don't do any joint accounts.

Ironically though, marriage for thousands of years had no government involvement, now it seems like it is just legal contract.

My state won't consider it common law until you've lived together for a decade.

Hulk30 · Answer

it can't which is why your better off gettin spiritually married than legal and legalized marriage was orginally designed in order to keep black men and white women seperated that's why marriage liscences exist it used to be illegal from 1661 to 1967 for black men and white women to get legally married how many times i gotta tell as well as show ya that from the new living translation as well as others from the holy bible that according to it sex equals marriage genesis4:1 now adam had sexual relations with his wife eve and she became pregnant

The_Shadow_Dweller · Answer

A really nice question.

In India, the marriage invitation paper itself is considered as the proof of marriage.
As for the name change, it happens automatically without any document.

Only those people require a marriage certificate issued by officials, that need to leave the country or need it for some or the other purposes.

DJB72 · Answer

In South Africa you can get Married under "antenuptial contract" with or without accrual. My wife and I married without accrual so we remain legally responsible only for debt incurred as individuals, even if it was incurred after marriage. It also means any assets we own are individually owned so I one of us incurred a major debt, the assets of the other cannot be seized in event of default.

worldscolide · Answer

In SOME states there is a thing called common law marriage, which basically means there is not documentation that says you're married but you legally are. Some states its when you have cohabitated for 7 years. In other states its when you are included on the tax return as a couple.

bolverk · Answer

It can be depending on local laws or statutes as Common Law Marriage;
Common-law marriage, also known as non-ceremonial marriage, sui iuris marriage, informal marriage, or marriage by habit and repute, is a legal framework where a couple may be considered married without having formally registered their relation as a civil or religious marriage

Staximus · Answer

Marriage can be just two people agreeing to be married. There is usually some ceremony involved. Back in the day it was like the village elders or chief when there were no religious leaders around, or a captain of a ship. The old way from like a thousand years ago was throwing flowers into a river together or off a bridge, jumping over a sword or broom together, etc. Two people promising to each other to each other.

JSmuve · Answer

Technically, no. Without a marriage license and all the signatures on the proper documents, legally you would not be married. However, that doesn't mean you can't uphold your vows to someone. You don't need to be married to be committed. It just wouldn't be recognized by the courts. The best you could get is common-law.

pleasestopthis · Answer

But ancient marriages involved contracts too, and therefore legal. Maybe conyugal laws in your country are not ideal, but that's why you choose very carefully who you decide to marry, and it's unavoidable to share your spouse's burdens sooner or later. They may fall sick down the road and spend thousands of dollars in treatments.

Honestguyopen · Answer

Yes marriage requires a vow to eachother before God and witnesses, and proper documents according to the laws of the area you live in must be complete. Anything other than that would not be marriage, but fornication. I understand your concern. The best thing is to talk about things openly and honestly. Know what you are getting into with a reasonably long courtship. Protect yourself with a short engagement.

Hans222 · Answer

In Belgium you can marry with full separation of all financial mens: your money and/or debts remain yours, his remain his. No risk except if they commit fraud with your money...

Heartache0405 · Answer

Is say it is. Marriage shouldn’t be something legally binding. It should be about love if such a thing even existed. All the legal bs is just for women to fall back on when they regret getting married and want an easy out with rewards for leaving.

s10sleeper · Answer

In many states, if you present yourself as married, then you are common law married, and all of the legalities of marriage apply, including divorce, federal tax laws apply to common law couples

LoveLifeLively · Answer

when 2 people think to live together for life, out of all odds they can call "marriage" or which is commonly called as "live-in".
NO need to have legal binding document.

These document are to show government that "You are together" & no one has right to interfere.

Grond21 · Answer

Marriage is sanctified by God when the man and woman commit to each other, totally and without reservation. And what God has joined, let no man put asunder.

Avicenna · Answer

If you're concerned about financial aspects of marriage, talk to an attorney. It is probably well worth the cost of a consultation.

talka20 · Answer

For us as Muslims the Nikkah process means they are now married... the paper work n all is for system and rules of country n obv a right thing to do but marriage is done by Nikkah itself

Jamie05rhs · Answer

If you're concerned about taking on someone's debt, then don't take on their debt. I don't understand why people assume that marriage has to mean the cookie-cutter definition of what the laws of your state says it means.

ElvenMr · Answer

Not sure about what's exactly in the Bible.
But yeah.. marriage while i want it, it's a scary thing, and not because men are afraid of commitment or something like this..

I would really need to trust that person to marry them.

NathanDavis · Answer

never ever rush to sign any kind of paper/document... lol

Anpu23 · Answer

I suppose that is between you, your pastor and God. At least if you are talking about religious marriage.

Agape93 · Answer

Biblically to my knowledge was strictly a religious affair, not secular and legally binding. The contract of marriage was made to God, not the state.

loveslongnails · Answer

Legally, there are common law marriages in every state. Depends on each state, but that's just the legal part. You can have a spiritual ceremony without a legal ceremony.

bigbluey · Answer

Well maybe not a legal marriage but as I am not married currently I am not sure

lucas262 · Answer

Iv said its a covenant not a contract.  In this day an age. No way I'm signing anything. It's me her and the preacher, but no paperwork.  Not when divorce laws are so biased.

Dchrls78104 · Answer

Check out Romans 13:1-7. There it speaks of obeying the laws of the land. These laws include making sure that your marriage is properly, legally registered.

Phoenix98 · Answer

As long as it's by a priest and witnessed/under god so properly.

exitseven · Answer

If you're concerned about the financial aspects of marriage you need to check out his finances.

imfreeze95 · Answer

There is this thing called a common law marriage where is you cohabitate with someone of the opposite gender long enough you can be considered legally married if you’re not blood relatives

Waldoe · Answer

"The Heart wants what the Heart wants" when the Word was given to Man, there were no official government marriage laws... so "Legal" is meaningless

TheSpaceGnome · Answer

Prenups can say just about anything, debts are not passed to and SO either way, and marriage itself isn't a religious thing or a legal thing.

Mangospacho · Answer

Student loans stay with the person who took out the loan - they don’t get shared by your spouse unless you both applied for the loan.

MadBoy · Answer

There is common law marriage, where you've lived together as a couple for so long it's basically assumed you're married.

Mehzmeh · Answer

Well, as far as the government goes. If there is no, license. Then there is no marriage. Unless it’s a common law marriage.

dragoblack · Answer

Yes, marriage has always been a religious ceremony. They have existed for many years in various versions.

legalboxers · Answer

if its in the eyes of God - without documentation then I dont believe its binding, you should ask the actual legal professionals on here.

Twalli · Answer

It depends on whether or not you want the state to recgonize it or not. My girlfriend's sister only had one church marriage.

This_Is_My_Opinion8 · Answer

Marriage today doesn't necessarily have to involve the church. Still to be married both the church and the state demand witnesses and papers.

Wiredone · Answer

I think if you're married and he gets into debt it does fall back on you if you file taxes jointly

VarddaanKaushikk · Answer

I Haven't read the Bible , so Can't Comment about anything related to it.

najekim · Answer

There are common law marriages. But you need to find out if the state you live in recognizes it.

Anonymous · Answer

Not religious, so do not really bothered, what dude in a sky thinks. About prenup, these days it can be cancelled, depends on lower.

J3LueMooN · Answer

Which bible are you talking about? There are a lot of bibles :(

Paris13 · Answer

Yes!!! xxoo

Hangry06 · Answer

I would call it a wedding and not a marriage

TrueConfection · Answer

For rich or for poor.

So is it still marriage if there are no legal binding documents involved?

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