A marriage may be invalid because it is between close relatives, underage persons, or people incapable of entering into the marriage contract because of mental incompetence, or if a prior marriage exists. Sometimes people discover that their marriage is invalid only when filing for divorce.
In some states, the putative spouse doctrine offers some protection to the innocent party if the parties went through a ceremonial marriage. A putative (meaning “supposed”) spouse may be entitled to the same benefits and rights as a legal spouse for as long as she or he reasonably believed the marriage to be valid. In states that do not accept the putative spouse doctrine, people who mistakenly believe they are married have the same status as unmarried couples who have lived together.
After a long union that both parties honestly believed was a valid marriage, a court may refuse to declare the marriage invalid and require a divorce to end the marriage.

What if one person tricks the other into thinking there has been a valid marriage?

Sometimes the law treats an invalid marriage as valid if one person tricked the other into thinking that the couple had a valid marriage. If so, a court might not allow the deceiving partner to declare the marriage invalid. In legal terms, the court estops (a legal term meaning “prevents”) the deceiving partner from denying that the marriage exists. In addition, a court may find that the doctrine of laches (or “long delay”) prevents even the innocent party, who originally did not know about the invalid marriage, from having the marriage declared invalid if he or she did nothing for a long time after learning that the marriage was not valid.

Duties of Marriage

Does either spouse have a duty to work outside the home?
No. While the husband and wife are married and living together, a court is not going to get involved in private family decisions of who works and who does not. That’s left to the husband and wife to sort out. Today, more than one-half of married women–including women with preschool-age children–work outside the home. A husband or wife cannot, as a matter of law, force his or her spouse to work.

If the wife and husband separate or divorce, can a court require them to work outside the home?

No, not directly. If a wife and husband separate or divorce, a court still cannot directly order one or both of them to work. The court can, however, declare that one or both parties owe a duty of financial support to the other party (alimony; also called maintenance or spousal support) or to the children (child support). If so, the court will set an amount of support that must be paid. A duty of financial support means that person who is supposed to pay support must come up with the money somehow–usually from work or from savings. If the person who is supposed to pay support does not pay the money and does not have a good excuse why the money has not been paid, that person could be held in contempt of court. The possible penalties for being held in contempt of court include payment of fines and incarceration. Payments of child support and alimony will be discussed later in this chapter.
Are there legal remedies if a husband or wife refuses to have sexual relations with his or her spouse?
A court would not order a person to have sexual relations with his or her spouse. A spouse who forces sexual relations with a partner can be charged with rape under the state’s criminal law. In some states, the refusal to have sexual relations with a spouse is a specific ground for divorce or annulment of the marriage. In other states, refusal to have sexual relations could be considered a ground for divorce because it is an “irreconcilable difference” or a “mental cruelty.”

May wives and husbands sue each other?

Yes. Husbands and wives can, of course, sue each other for a divorce. They can also sue each other in connection with financial deals in which one may have cheated the other. The vast majority of states also allow one spouse to sue the other for deliberate personal injuries, such as those suffered in a beating. Some states allow husbands and wives to sue each other in connection with an auto accident in which one of them, who was the driver, accidentally caused injury to the other, who was a passenger. In effect, the person suing may be trying to collect money from an insurance company rather from the person’s spouse. Many states, fearing that this would encourage collusion, do not allow such lawsuits.

Can spouses testify against each other in court?

Yes. Husbands and wives routinely testify against each other in divorce cases. There is an old rule that husbands and wives cannot testify about communications made between them during the marriage. Although the rule may be applied in some circumstances, it generally does not apply if the husband and wife are involved in a lawsuit against each other.

Marriage is a private bond between two people, but it is also an important social institution. Most states define marriage as a civil contract between a man and a woman to become husband and wife.
The moment a man and a woman marry, their relationship acquires a legal status. Married couples have financial and personal duties to each other during marriage and after separation or divorce. State laws determine the extent of these duties. As the U.S. Supreme Court said about marriage in 1888: “The relation once formed, the law steps in and holds the parties to various obligations and liabilities.”
Society recognizes marriage in several ways:
As a way to express commitment, strengthen intimate bonds, and provide mutual emotional support.
As a (comparatively) stable structure within which to raise children.
As a financial partnership in which spouses may choose from a variety of roles. Both spouses may work inside or outside the home to support the family, or the husband may support the wife, or the wife may support the husband.
As our society becomes more complex, there is no longer a short answer to the question “What is marriage?” Definitions and opinions of the proper functions of marriage continue to change. The women’s rights movement and gay rights movement have resulted in more equal treatment of men and women and the creation of new legal relationships, including domestic partnerships and civil unions for same-sex couples. The traditional concept of marriage remains, but it continues to evolve.

What are the legal requirements for getting married?

The requirements are simple, although they vary from state to state. In general, a man and a woman wishing to marry must obtain a license in the state in which they wish to be married, usually from a county clerk, a city clerk, or a a clerk of court. The fee usually is low.
Parties who wish to marry must have the capacity to do so. This means that neither can be married to someone else, the parties must be of a certain age, and both must understand that they are being married and what it means to be married. If, because of drunkenness, mental illness, or some other problem, one of the parties lacks capacity, the marriage will not be valid.
A few states require the man and the woman to have blood tests for venereal disease before the license is issued, although most do not require a blood test. In states that require a blood test, some will not issue a license if one or both of the parties have venereal disease, while others will allow the marriage if the couple knows the disease is present.
In a few states, a couple must show proof of immunity or vaccination for certain diseases or completion of a general physical examination.
Close blood relatives cannot marry, although in some states, first cousins can marry. Of those states that allow first cousins to marry, a few states also require that one of the cousins be unable to conceive children.
Some states require a waiting period, generally three days, between the time the license is issued and the time of the marriage ceremony.

At what age may people marry?

A man or woman may marry at age eighteen without parental consent. Most states also allow persons age sixteen and seventeen to marry with consent of their parents or a judge.

When does a couple become married?

Most states consider a couple to be married when the ceremony ends, when the officiating person says “I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Failure to have sexual relations (lack of consummation) does not affect the validity of the marriage. In all states, the proper official must record the marriage license. Recording the marriage license is proof that the marriage happened.

Is a particular type of marriage ceremony required?

No, there is broad latitude regarding the type of ceremony required. A marriage ceremony may be religious or civil. The person or persons conducting the ceremony should indicate that the man and woman agree to be married. A religious ceremony should be conducted under the customs of the religion, or, in the case of a Native American group, the tribe. Most states require one or two witnesses to sign the marriage certificate.

Are common-law marriages allowed?

In most states, no. In times past, particularly in the frontier days, it was common for states to consider a woman and man to be married if they lived together for a certain length of time, had sexual intercourse, and held themselves out as husband and wife, even though they never went through a marriage ceremony. Today, only nine states recognize common-law marriages. In those states, in order for there to be a legal common-law marriage, the partners must clearly represent themselves to others as being husband and wife; merely living together is not enough to create a marriage.
In states that recognize a common-law marriage, the partners have the same rights and duties as if there had been a ceremonial marriage. Most other states will accept as valid a common-law marriage that began in a state that recognizes common-law marriage.
A legal common-law marriage may end only with a formal divorce. There is no such thing as a “common-law divorce.”

What is a domestic partnership?

Some cities have passed laws providing for domestic partnerships, which can apply to homosexual couples, and heterosexual couples, who are living together without being married. To become domestic partners, the partners must register their relationship at a government office and declare that they are in a “committed” relationship. Domestic partnerships provide some–but not all–of the legal benefits of marriage. Some of the common benefits are the right to coverage on a family health insurance policy, the right to family leave to take care of a sick partner (to the same extent a person would be able to use family leave to care for a sick spouse), bereavement leave, visiting rights to hospitals and jails, and rent control benefits (to the same extent a spouse would retain reduced rent if his or her partner died.)
Does a woman’s last name change automatically when she gets married?
No. A woman’s name changes only if she wants it changed. In the past, a woman would often change her last name to her husband’s name when she married. Now society recognizes a woman’s right to take her husband’s name, keep her original name, or use both names. The general rule is that if a woman uses a chosen name consistently and honestly, then it will be recognized as her true name. The details on how to change a name can be found in the sidebar entitled “What’s in a Name?”

http://familylaw.siamaffiliate.com/index.htm

                       
But more difficult than keeping a relationship is actually “finding” a person to start with. For some who have mastered the art of dating, it is a breeze. But for many of us, that is sometimes a chore that would border on hopelessly impossible.
Not all of us are drop dead gorgeous, and fit the perfect person image. Many folks are very shy, have low self esteem, or have other features that may make less confident. Others have many fears, just back on the dating scene, widowed etc, that make plucking up the courage to walk up to someone they find attractive or at the least they are interested in, very difficult to say the least.
Therefore the person that commenced the first internet dating site was definitely a pure genius. They provided a base for individuals who have had a hard time searching for someone to date or share their lives with be able get together and chat with other people that may be a possible partner or friend.
There are those who are skeptics though believing that internet dating sites are just out to grab the membership fees among the loneliness and the need for some people for companionship. While some do pull in membership fees, there are services being offered and so many members have had their success stories to share to show how effective online dating is.
But just to show that there are internet dating sites that don’t rely on fees, free internet dating sites have been made to cater those who don’t have the money to pay for the membership dues.
If you are new to looking for a partner or romance on online dating sites then you need to learn several things first so that your search will be fun yet a safe one. Although it would be nice to assume that we live in a safe world we need realize that there are people you do prey on the weaknesses of others and on unsuspecting prey.
Identity theft is now a real issue. There are people on the internet searching for bank account details and other personal stuff like street address, email address, phone numbers for their own gain. If in doubt don’t divulge these details.
Use a pseudo name when you make your profile. Once you have come to trust the other person then you can reveal your first name.
Make sure other personal details especially your financial status and details, residential address, residential phone numbers remain private and confidential.
Ask questions of the other person don’t get too personal or they may doubt you as well. If the other person seems to change their story or becomes evasive it may be a warning to end the contact.
On an arranged meeting try and meet them in a public place and take your own transport.
Never get them to pick you up or be with them alone. Take a cellular phone with you and make sure you have informed someone of where you are going and with whom. Arrange a time that you will ring them and at what time you will be home.
If you listen to the warnings and go on your instincts then you will find internet dating can be a lot of fun. There are millions of people all over the world participating in internet dating which proves it is a lot of fun.
Next time your on the internet give it a try. Free internet dating is a free way to socialize with people all over the globe and you never know your perfect match may just be a suburb a way or half way around the world. Internet dating provides a way for you to stay in contact with the other person without the added expense of phone calls or mailing them.
Internet dating is one of if not the fastest growing area on the internet. Don’t miss your chance to be one of the lucky ones who finds they perfect match in cyberspace.

Mortgage Quote Tip #3 Realistic
While you want the lowest mortgage quote possible, you need to make sure the mortgage quote is realistic within the scheme of things. If you receive a mortgage quote that is several percentage points lower than the lowest mortgage quote you have seen, you might want to question it. While there are many reputable online mortgage quote companies, there are those out there that are not professional.

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Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Most drugs used to treat mesothelioma are given by injection into a vein (intravenous, or IV). Doctors are also studying the effectiveness of putting chemotherapy directly into the chest or abdomen (intracavitary chemotherapy).

To relieve symptoms and control pain, the doctor may use a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has built up in the chest or abdomen. The procedure for removing fluid from the chest is called thoracentesis. Removal of fluid from the abdomen is called paracentesis. Drugs may be given through a tube in the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating. Radiation therapy and surgery may also be helpful in relieving symptoms.

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Scholarship essay: When Topics Are Assigned
Occasionally a college will assign an essay topic. This will likely be a very general or broad topic, such as, “Why education is important.” If you go with these general topics and just write “Education is important because it helps people learn…..” you are heading in the wrong direction.
Explore the guts of the assigned statement, break it down, make it real and personal. Once again, jot onto paper the first words or experiences the statement brings to mind. Find a personal experience in your education that has stood out and perhaps symbolizes why higher education is still important to your life. Write about that one thing.
Free Scholarship and Financial Aid Request Templates
Scholarship essay: Our Sample Templates
In order to get information from either a college or a scholarship organization, you will need to request necessary materials. We have provided:
?a Sample Letter to a College, and
?a Sample Letter for Scholarship Information.
The college sample letter could be used to request
?a catalog,
?financial aid information, and
?any other materials you might need.
The scholarship letter is an opportunity to prepare a short statement summing up why you feel qualified for the scholarship. You will want to also make sure you have the appropriate contact name and the full name of the organization that administers the scholarship.
 

Scholarship essay: Formatting and Proofreading
Most word processing programs come bundled with templates that allow you to choose a format for a letter. If you are using one of these templates, choose a professional format, avoiding artsy or overly informal styles.
Any correspondence you have with college or organization officials should be taken as seriously as the essay you write for your application . A letter leaves an impression.
Use the spell-check feature in your word processor or email to make corrections, and be concise. Ask a parent or school guidance counselor to proofread any letter before you send it. Also, for postal mail, it is customary to include a self-addressed-stamped-envelope, SASE, to cover the cost of return postage for materials you have requested.
Scholarship essay: Sample College Information Request Letter
Date
Jane Doe
Office of Admissions
College Name
Street Address
City, State Zipcode
Dear Ms. Doe,
I am very interested in [College Name] and would appreciate you sending me the following information: [this list should be modified for your needs]
• Course Catalog
• Athletic Program Catalog
• Scholarship Information
• Financial Aid Application
• Residency Information, On-Campus and Off-Campus
• [anything else you need]
Briefly, my academic career has been focused on [Subject area, or General College Preparatory] and I have consistently maintained a GPA of [gpa]. I have also successfully balanced my academic interests with the following activities: [athletics, hobbies, volunteer organizations, etc].
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Address
Phone Number
Email Address
Sample Scholarship Information Request Application
Date
Jane Doe
Organization Name
Street Address
City, State Zipcode
Dear Ms. Doe:
I am very interested in [Organization’s name, Scholarship Fund Name] or any other financial assistance opportunities available for [undergraduate, graduate] students.
[Briefly, craft a few statements that offer information about your academic and extracurricular activities that make you a suitable candidate for a scholarship with Name of Organization.]
Please send me the appropriate application and deadlines, including any other necessary information I would need to complete a proper application process with [Name of Organization].
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Address
Phone Number
Email Address

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Have you been only dating people from your own ethnic background, to find that no matter what you try, there just seems to be no spark or real passion occurring in the relationship? Are you just about ready to give up on finding a soul mate? Well before you lose all hope in the dating world, you may want to try exploring dating someone who comes from a different culture than you. Who knows, you may just discover that a multicultural relationship is what you need to discover that special spark you’ve been searching for.One of the best ways that you can explore your dating options, without having to worry about pressures from friends or family, is to join an online dating community, such as Love Empire, which is designed to bring you close to those who share the same interests as you, regardless if they are black, white, Eurasian and so on.Love Empire allows you the chance to really explore the beauty of the multicultural dating world with no strings attached, and no outside judgments interfering with your choices. In this online dating community the only opinion that matters when it comes to dating is your own. Therefore, listen to you heart, trust your feelings and use your common sense to decide what’s best for you. Besides, the whole point to dating is to have fun, and to enjoy the company of the person you choose to be with.There is true potential in being apart of a multicultural relationship in today’s society, as these relations have really become a more common and accepted part of Western culture. Because of this, blacks, whites, Eurasians and other ethnic groups have more reason to mix together than any other time in history. For instance, it has been estimated that in Britain alone, over 30 percent of black men are either living with or are married to white women, and over 20 percent of black women are living with or married to white men. When you stop to think about that, it’s truly beautiful to know that something such as multicultural relationships has grown from a small minority and become common and socially recognized. Don’t be afraid to believe in love and companionship, no matter what others may think of your interracial dating. Remember, the most important ingredient to any relationship is love. No force on this Earth is greater than that of love, and once you find it gender, age, race, and religion are nothing more than small details that add to the beauty of the individual you love.About the author:Frank Duru is the author of many different articles. His works concentrate much on dating related information, such as “Homosexual Dating - Truth and Connection”, “Asian Dating - Respect and Honour” The list goes on! Click here to visit his site loveempire.net. Find more interracial and Dating related articles there.

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Do I need a Lawyer?
The answer depends upon which State you Purchased or Registered your car in. In some States and with proper documentation, you simply file a Complaint. In other States, you will need to hire an Attorney.

Who pays the Lawyer?
Only about half of the States allow you to recover Attorney Fees. If your Attorney sues under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, you will be awarded Attorney Fees if you win. Note that an Attorney’s Fee is based upon actual time expended rather than being tied to any percentage of the recovery. In some States, you must pay the manufacturer’s Attorney Fees if you lose.
                

Is a Used or Leased Car protected?
It depends upon which State the car was purchased or leased in. Some states include used and leased cars in their Lemon Law statutes. Some states have separate laws for used vehicles. Some states provide protection only for new cars. In some states, even the Attorney General is unable to tell you if a Leased vehicle is covered due to the way the law is phrased and you will be referred to an Attorney for clarification of the law. .

What about Motor Homes and motorcycles?
Most States cover the drive train portion of Motor Homes (that part which is not used for dwelling purposes). Motorcycles are generally not covered but a few states do include them in their lemon law statutes.
If you have a defective Motorcycle, Motor Home, used car, leased car, or a car used for business purposes and your State Lemon Law does not cover these vehicles, you still have other recourses such as the Uniform Commercial Code and the Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (providing you were given a written warranty). Consult with an Attorney that specializes in this area