Marriage certificate - why do you need it at all?

About a hundred years ago there was no such document in Russia as a marriage certificate. Rather, it was possible to obtain an extract from the church book about the wedding, and the procedure itself was to be preceded by a three-fold announcement of the upcoming ceremony. However, after the revolution, the state assumed the role of an institution legitimizing the relations of two people. The marriage certificate is just an official document confirming that the union is legal and eligible. Issue its relevant registry office. Nevertheless, it is not necessary to confuse the marriage certificate with the notion of "civil union". The last appeared after the official was only considered a secular ceremony, as opposed to church wedding. Then the word "civil" was equivalent to the concept of marriage, concluded before government officials, and not by clerics. By the way, Russia rather late - only in 1917 - went to this institution of registration of the union. In many European countries (in the Netherlands - from 1580, in Germany - from 1875, in England - since 1836), it became possible to enter into civil marriages. However, now in Russia this word means, as a rule, relations without any registration.

What do you get with a marriage certificate

More and more couples choose exactly free - unofficial - status for partnership. In many countries, such unions are legally legalized, that is, they are equal in rights and duties to "registered" ones. However, the certificate of marriage is still the only document that is officially recognized as confirmation of marital relations. What follows: simplification in obtaining a residence permit or citizenship for a wife or husband, virtually automatic inheritance in the event of the death of one of the partners. In many countries, the marriage certificate gives an opportunity to receive tax benefits and deductions, as well as benefits. It imposes a number of obligations. For example, an official spouse in the event of a divorce may demand alimony not only for children (if they exist) but also for themselves. The Family Code obliges to keep even the ex-husband or wife, if they are in a distressed financial situation and do not have a livelihood. But especially important is the document confirming the state registration of marriage, it turns out when establishing the rights to property, custody of children and family reunification.

The more useful the marriage certificate for "abroad"

Suppose one of the spouses is going abroad. He settles there and wants to take his relatives to himself. In this case, a translation of the marriage certificate is required, which will allow the second spouse to obtain a visa, and then a residence permit. Similarly, such a document will also be needed when obtaining a passport - in the event that the name has been changed. An apostille of a marriage certificate can be issued by the consulate, the department of the Ministry of Justice or the registry office. Such a document will be necessary for the union to be recognized officially registered in another state. In most countries, if the spouses are in a joint household, they are entitled to tax deductions. With international unions, a marriage certificate is especially important. Only it gives the husband or wife advantages in obtaining citizenship or a permanent residence permit in the country of the spouse. Marriages, concluded only on religious rites, are not recognized by the majority of states and do not impose any rights and duties.