[higherthanamile]

Interesting thread.

While much of this may not apply to anyone outside of the States, here are some benefits of marriage that made it 'the right choice' for my wife and I...

Creating a "family partnership" under federal tax laws, which allows you to divide business income among family members.

Inheriting a share of your spouse's estate.

Receiving an exemption from both estate taxes and gift taxes for all property you give or leave to your spouse.
*In fact, you can make a one time gift of $50,000.00 to your spouse with no taxable event occurring.*

Creating life estate trusts that are restricted to married couples, including QTIP trusts, QDOT trusts, and marital deduction trusts.

Obtaining priority if a conservator needs to be appointed for your spouse -- that is, someone to make financial and/or medical decisions on your spouse’s behalf, meaning inheritance automatically in the absence of a will.
*Very important if there is a chasm between you and your spouses family. They could potentially take control of finances away from you.*

Spousal exemptions to property tax increases upon the death of one partner who is a co-owner of the home.

Obtaining insurance benefits through a spouse's employer.

Taking family leave to care for your spouse during an illness.
*I don't believe that FMLA will cover you if you need to care for your partner, or significant other, just your immediate family and spouse*

Receiving wages, workers' compensation, and retirement plan benefits for a deceased spouse.
*Again, receiving any of this could be compromised by blood relatives if challenged in court.*

Visiting your spouse in a hospital intensive care unit or during restricted visiting hours in other parts of a medical facility.
*I have personally seen this occur with friends of mine who weren't married. Though the staff eventually consented, it was drama that could of been avoided.*

Making medical decisions for your spouse if he or she becomes incapacitated and unable to express wishes for treatment.
*This by itself is enough to get married, in our opinion.*


Receiving equitable division of property if you divorce.
Receiving spousal or child support, child custody, and visitation if you divorce.
*You never know what could happen, right?*

Receiving family rates for health, homeowners', auto, and other types of insurance. Receiving tuition discounts and permission to use school facilities.
Other consumer discounts and incentives offered only to married couples or families.
*I will get a significant discount on tuition when I enroll at the college my wife is attending for her graduate degree.*

Claiming the marital communications privilege, which means a court can’t force you to disclose the contents of confidential communications between you and your spouse during your marriage.
*Who can say that ISN'T a benefit?*

Suing a third person for wrongful death of your spouse and loss of consortium (loss of intimacy).
*A terrible thing to experience, but I would want all the leverage I could get against any bastard responsible for my death or hers.*

Most of these legal and economic benefits cannot be privately arranged or contracted for. For example, absent a legal (or civil) marriage, there is no guaranteed joint responsibility to the partner and to third parties (including children) in such areas as child support, debts to creditors, taxes, etc. In addition, private employers and institutions often give other economic privileges and other benefits (special rates or memberships) only to married couples.

Certainly, I appreciate where all of you who feel differently are coming from. I'm just offering up some information that I think you might be interested in.

Be happy.

Be good to each other.

HTAM