[FirstFlaBn]

Two words: tax advantages. Two more words: Social Security.

People won’t allow states to stop registering marriages if it means they lose the special tax treatments.

Dozens, maybe hundreds of other governement benefits. Here’s a few: property transfer upon death without probate or will; no federal gift tax on cash transfers; exemption against testifying against spouse.

[colorcountry]

It’s really all about the money - - for both sides.

Could you imagine the lawyers and courts without the endless stream of divorces? Damn law system would go broke!

[ansel12]

Two words: tax advantages. Two more words: Social Security.

THOMAS JEFFERSON
Bond for Marriage License
[23 December 1771]
Know all men by these presents that we Thomas Jefferson and Francis Eppes are held and firmly bound to our sovereign lord the king his heirs and successors in the sum of fifty pounds current money of Virginia, to the paiment of which, well and truly to be made we bind ourselves jointly and severally, our joint and several heirs executors and administrators in witness whereof we have hereto set our hands and seals this twenty third day of December in the year of our lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy one.
The condition of the above obligation is such that if there be no lawful cause to obstruct a marriage intended to be had and solemnized between the abovebound Thomas Jefferson and Martha Skelton of the county of Charles city, Widow,1 for which a license is desired, then this obligation is to be null and void; otherwise to remain in full force.
th: jefferson
francis eppes

GEORGE WASHINGTON

[Lurker]

Two more words. “Common law”.