What are the consequences of a marriage without a marriage license?

In Washington, marriage without a marriage license is considered a misdemeanor offense. This offense carries a maximum penalty of up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Additionally, individuals who enter into a marriage without a license will not be legally recognized as married. This means that the court will not recognize any rights that come with a legal marriage, such as ownership of property, filing taxes jointly, or having legal authority to make medical decisions for one another. However, in certain circumstances, a marriage that has been entered into without a license may be legally recognized. For example, if the couple has lived together for a long period of time and have presented themselves as married, they may be able to establish common law marriage grounds in Washington. Additionally, if the couple had been married in another jurisdiction (i.e. another state or country) and the marriage was valid at the time of the ceremony, it may also be recognized in Washington. Without legal recognition, couples may be unable to benefit from the rights and obligations that come with marriage. This includes everything from eligibility and access to certain healthcare plans to inheriting the other spouse’s estate or enjoying particular tax benefits. Therefore, individuals planning to get married in Washington should be sure to go through the proper legal channels in order to ensure their marriage is legally binding.

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What are the consequences of a marriage without a marriage license?

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