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General Advice
Legal Things To Do After Getting Married: Paperwork After Marriage & More
12 Feb 2025 •7 min read
Collect, manage, and organize your wedding guest information for each event and track their preferences.
After you get married what do you do? If you just tied the knot and you are wondering about the legal things to do after getting married you're not alone. It can feel like an overwhelming time, even though you're still basking in that newlywed glow.
Don't worry - we've got you covered with this comprehensive guide to post-wedding paperwork and legal requirements.
What do I need to do after I get married?
Take a deep breath - we know it can feel like there's a mountain of tasks waiting for you after the honeymoon. Between thank you notes, photos to organize, and legal paperwork to tackle, it's totally normal to feel a bit overwhelmed by what to do after the wedding is over.
The good news? You don't have to figure it all out at once. We've broken down all the essential tasks into manageable steps, so you can tackle them one at a time.
20 Legal Things To Do After Getting Married
When it comes to what to do legally after getting married, there are several important documents and changes to address.
We've organized these into two main categories: essential paperwork and other legal considerations that might apply to your situation.
Paperwork After Marriage
Time-Sensitive Priorities (First 30 Days):
Request 3-4 Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate
Your marriage certificate is like your golden ticket to married life! Head to your county clerk's office where you got your marriage license. Most offices charge $15-25 per copy and trust me, you'll want extras. Think of these copies as your VIP pass to update everything from your driver's license to bank accounts.
Pro Tip: Keep one copy in a fireproof safe and stash the others in separate secure locations.
Update Your Social Security Card
If you're planning on a name change after marriage the Social Security Administration is your first stop! Bring your marriage certificate, ID, and completed Form SS-5. The process is free but requires an in-person visit. Most brides report receiving their new card within 2-3 weeks. Remember: This step unlocks all your other name-change possibilities!
Begin the Process for a New Driver's License/State ID
Time to smile for a new photo! But wait until you have that updated Social Security card in hand. You'll need:
- Current license
- Marriage certificate
- Updated Social Security card
- Proof of address Hot tip: Book an appointment if your DMV offers this option - it's a total game-changer!
Notify Your Employer About Your Marriage Status
Schedule some quality time with HR to update:
- W-4 tax withholdings
- Health insurance coverage
- Emergency contacts
- Retirement accounts Bonus: Some companies offer special benefits for newlyweds!
Review and Update Health Insurance Coverage
Marriage is a qualifying life event, giving you a 30-day special enrollment period. Compare your options:
- Keep separate plans
- Join one spouse's plan
- Choose a new plan together Consider premiums, deductibles, and provider networks to find your perfect match.
Update Banking Accounts and Consider Joint Account Options
Time to merge your money matters! Schedule a cozy sit-down with your banker to explore:
- Converting personal accounts to joint ones
- Setting up shared savings goals
- Streamlining bill payments
- Discussing mortgage planning Pro tip: Keep at least one personal account each for gift-giving surprises and personal spending!
Notify Credit Card Companies of Name Changes and Status Updates
Each credit card company has its own process, but generally you'll need:
- Marriage certificate copy
- Updated Social Security card
- Current ID Bonus insight: Some companies offer special perks for newly married couples - don't forget to ask!
Contact Investment Account Providers
Love is an investment, and so are your finances! Update:
- Account beneficiaries
- Contact information
- Joint investment strategies Consider scheduling a meeting with a financial advisor to align your investment goals as a couple.
Review and Update Retirement Account Beneficiaries
Marriage is about planning your future together, including retirement! Update:
- 401(k) beneficiaries
- IRA designations
- Pension information Remember: These don't automatically update with marriage - you must do it manually!
Evaluate and Combine Auto Insurance Policies
Here's where marriage really pays off! Most insurance companies offer:
- Multi-car discounts
- Marriage rate reductions
- Bundle savings opportunities Hot tip: Get quotes from multiple providers to find the best newlywed deals.
Other Legal Things To Do After Getting Married
Beyond the basic paperwork, there are several other important legal matters to address.
Create or Update Your Will
Nobody loves talking about wills, but it's crucial! Consider:
- Asset distribution
- Guardian designations
- Special provisions Working with an estate planning attorney can make this process much smoother.
Review and Update Power of Attorney Documents
Think of this as your "just in case" paperwork. Update:
- Medical power of attorney
- Financial power of attorney
- Living will preferences These documents ensure you can take care of each other if needed.
Update Your Living Will/Healthcare Directives
Marriage means being there in sickness and in health. Update:
- Healthcare preferences
- Emergency contacts
- Medical decision-making authority Make sure both families have copies of these updated documents.
Modify Property Deeds and Titles if Desired
If you own property, consider:
- Adding spouse to deeds
- Updating mortgage information
- Reviewing homeowners insurance Consult with a real estate attorney for the smoothest process.
If you own property, you might want to add your spouse to the deed or title. This is particularly important if you're concerned about the disadvantages of not changing name after marriage and want to ensure clear property rights.
Update Emergency Contact Information Everywhere
Think beyond the obvious places:
- Doctors' offices
- Dentist
- Gym memberships
- Work contacts
- Phone emergency contacts
Apply for a New Passport if Needed
Planning a honeymoon? Start this process early:
- Allow 6-8 weeks for processing
- Consider expedited service
- Keep your old passport until the new one arrives Travel tip: Book flights using your current legal name!
Update Voter Registration
Democracy doesn't stop for newlyweds! Update:
- Name changes
- Address changes
- Party affiliation if desired Most states offer easy online updates.
Modify Lease or Mortgage Documents
Whether you rent or own, update:
- Names on agreements
- Payment information
- Insurance policies
- Property tax records
Update Any Professional Licenses
Career credentials need attention too:
- Teaching certificates
- Medical licenses
- Legal credentials
- Professional memberships Each organization has its own process - start early!
Review and Update Life Insurance Beneficiaries
Last but definitely not least:
- Update primary beneficiaries
- Review coverage amounts
- Consider joint policies Remember: Marriage often nullifies previous beneficiary designations.
Each of these steps represents another brick in building your shared future. Take them one at a time, celebrate small wins, and remember - you're in this together!
What do you have to do after you get married? Key takeaways
Getting married brings exciting changes but also important responsibilities. Here's a simplified breakdown of what changes when you get married:
Essential Documents:
- Order multiple copies of your marriage certificate
- Update your Social Security card (if changing names)
- Get a new driver's license
- Update your passport
- Review and update employment documents
Financial and Legal Updates:
- Evaluate and combine insurance policies
- Update banking information
- Create or update estate planning documents
- Review tax filing options
- Update property titles if needed
Remember, you don't have to tackle everything at once.
Use our comprehensive wedding checklist to track your progress and take it one step at a time. The key is to prioritize tasks based on urgency and your situation. Start with the most time-sensitive items, like name changes and document updates, then work your way through the rest at a comfortable pace.
By staying organized and tackling these tasks systematically, you can ensure a smooth transition into married life while protecting both you and your spouse's legal interests. Remember, many of these changes aren't just paperwork - they're important steps in building your new life together.
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