Understanding Business and Personal Law

Chapter 31: Marriage

Chapter Overviews

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Marriage is a personal relationship between a man and a woman. It is also a civil contract that comes into existence as soon as the couple becomes engaged. The marriage contract changes a couple’s legal status, and the law gives both husband and wife new rights and duties, which are intended to give both parties protection. People who live together without being married do not receive this special protection. As you study this chapter, it is important to realize that marriage is a contract that is impacted by a variety of laws and restrictions.