Marriage is more than just a sign of love and commitment. It also has important legal and financial benefits. If you’re married in the United States, you have legal rights and protections that unmarried couples don’t have.

​ Before same-sex marriage was allowed, same-sex couples were often not allowed to have these benefits:

Estate and inheritance rights: Married couples can inherit from each other without paying taxes.​

Health insurance benefits: Many employers offer health insurance to spouses and dependents.

Social Security benefits: If one spouse passes away, the other is entitled to Social Security benefits.

Adoption rights: Marriage can help couples who want to adopt or have kids through assisted reproductive technologies.

Joint tax filing: Married couples can file taxes together, which can save a lot of money.

Hospital visitation rights: Sometimes only spouses and family members can visit patients in the hospital.

​“Love is love, but also law is law. We deserve to care about and want to protect each other as well."

- Justin DePaolis-Metz

"If I go into the hospital or anything were to happen to [our son] would she be able to step in, or would he be forced to go live with a father who has not in his life, just because she wasn't the biologically parent?"

- Rhea Thielbar

Emergency Binder

Married couples have automatic legal rights and protections that unmarried couples don't have. Before same-sex marriage was legal, LGBTQ+ couples collected documents to protect themselves and their loved ones. It was advised that these documents be extra originals, and not copies

The specific contents of the binder vary based on factors such as where you live, finances, and dependents. Important questions that binders need to be answered are:
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Who will make medical decisions if you are unable to?

Who will inherit your belongings when you die?

Who will make financial decisions if you are unable to?

Who will care for your children if you cannot?

What happens if you and your partner break up?

How can you protect your funeral wishes?

Why We Say "I Do"

People get married for a variety of personal, social, and legal reasons. It is a deeply personal decision that reflects the individual values and beliefs of each couple.

If you’ve been married, what were your reasons?
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If you want to get married, why?

Here are a few reasons that people get married.

Love and Companionship
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Many people get married because they have found a partner whom they love and want to spend the rest of their life with. Marriage provides them with companionship, emotional support, and a deep sense of connection.

Religious and Spiritual Beliefs

For many people, getting married is a spiritual or religious commitment that is recognized by their community or faith. It is often seen as a sacred union between two people.

Family and Tradition

For some people, getting married is a way to start a family and carry on traditions that have been passed down through generations. Marriage can also provide a sense of belonging to a larger community or cultural group.

Legal Benefits

Marriage provides legal benefits such as tax breaks, inheritance rights, and access to healthcare benefits. These benefits can make a big difference in a couple’s financial security and quality of life.

Commitment and Security

Marriage is a formal commitment to one’s partner, and it provides a sense of security and stability in the relationship. It creates a legally binding agreement that reinforces the commitment between the couple.

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