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In Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, marriage is a legal contract between two people, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Any two people 16 years of age and older, as long as one is not in a close blood relationship with the other, are permitted to marry. A couple should have a marriage license and must hold a ceremony in the presence of a celebrant and two witnesses.
While getting married might seem straightforward, there are circumstances where legal advice can be incredibly useful. For instance, if either partner is from outside Canada and wants to get married in Burnaby, legal advice might be necessary to ensure proper documentation and visa processing. Legal advice can also be helpful to understand marital rights, obligations, prenuptial agreements, and estate planning, as well as for addressing conflicts concerning division of property, spousal support, and child custody in the event of a divorce.
In Burnaby, a couple must first obtain a marriage license issued by the province of British Columbia. This license is valid for three months from the date of issue. The couple must also arrange for a Registered Marriage Officiant to perform the wedding ceremony. All marriages must be completed in the presence of two witnesses. In the case of divorce, Burnaby follows the Canadian law, which supports no-fault divorce, meaning neither spouse has to prove that the other spouse was at fault for the end of the marriage.
Yes, a marriage license issued by the province of British Columbia is needed.
No, the couple must go in person to a marriage license issuer to get a license.
Yes, as long as the ceremony is performed by a licensed marriage officiant in the presence of two witnesses.
Yes, common-law marriages are recognized in British Columbia after a couple has lived together for two years.
A spouse can apply for divorce if the couple has been separated for at least one year, or if there is adultery or physical/mental cruelty.
Yes, these types of agreements, known as "marriage contracts" or "cohabitation agreements", can be signed before or after marriage.
No, but it's advisable as the document must follow certain legal requirements to be valid.
Spousal support can be arranged by agreement between the partners or by a court order.
You can choose to use your spouse's surname after marriage without changing your official name. For a legal name change, you need to apply through the Vital Statistics agency of British Columbia.
Generally, each spouse keeps what is in their name. What was acquired during the marriage and what was brought into the marriage are usually divided equally.
The Law Society of British Columbia provides many resources for public legal information. Vital Statistics Agency of British Columbia provides information on marriages, name changes, and more. Burnaby Legal Information Services also offers free resources and legal clinics. Burnaby Family Life Institute provides counseling services which can be beneficial during marital issues or separations.
If you require legal assistance in marriage, you should seek advice from a lawyer specializing in family law. Ensuring that you understand all your legal rights and obligations before, during, and after marriage can help prevent conflicts and make any legal processes more straightforward. Most lawyers offer a free initial consultation that can help clarify your stand and plan the way forward.
