There are numerous legal rights and obligations when someone marries, some of which can be changed by a premarital agreement (or a separation agreement). Below is a brief (believe it or not) list of the rights and responsibilities, known as the incidents of marriage, that are different for unmarried partners:
Adoption (both spouses must join the petition to adopt)
Alimony and spousal support
Bankruptcy rights
Criminal law (duty to support, etc.)
Equitable distribution of marital assets and debts
“Family” rates (auto insurance, gym memberships, health insurance, etc.)
Health insurance rights
Immigration rights
Inheritance rights
Judgments for money owed
Marital privilege (testifying in court)
Military benefits and rights
Name changes
Next of kin designation (hospital, prison, etc.)
Paternity and birth certificates of children
Pension and other retirement benefits
Social security benefits
Survivorship rights
Taxes (filing status, deductions, exclusions, innocent spouse, etc.)
Torts, which are lawsuits for civil wrongs (alienation of affection, criminal conversation, loss of consortium, etc.)
Vital Records (right to personal records such as death certificates, birth certificates, etc.)
Welfare and public benefits
Wiretap Act exceptions allowing recording in some states
Zoning (number of unmarried or unrelated people in the residence)
