Confidential Marriage License

A confidential marriage license can be an ideal option for couples who want to get married without fanfare and public records. This type of license is designed to protect a couple’s privacy. Like most things in life, though, there may be certain disadvantages associated with confidential marriage licenses down the road. Regardless of what you need, a Beverly Hills family law attorney can counsel and help you determine how to move forward. 

S.L. Pitts has a thorough understanding of this unique option available to couples and can handle a variety of situations related to them. Our team works diligently and provides you with exceptional service that protects your interests and privacy. Our California family law lawyers are equipped to help you with your confidential marriage license, as well as any other family law matter you may need in your future.

What Is a Confidential Marriage License?

A confidential marriage license in California allows couples to get married in private without witnesses or pretence. The license is still a valid legal document, but it provides extra protection for individuals who value their privacy. California is the only state that offers this option, as all other states require a traditional license to get married. 

By contrast, a traditional marriage license is one that is publicly filed and requires at least one witness to validate it. These licenses are available via public records, so anyone can look them up and access them at any time. However, confidential marriage licenses essentially create a partition between you and the public regarding your marriage record.

It is important to be aware, though, that a confidential marriage license does not make your marriage a secret.

Eligibility Requirements and Process for Obtaining a Confidential Marriage License in California

To file for a confidential marriage license in California, couples must meet specific eligibility criteria. First and foremost, they must be at least 18 years of age in order to secure a marriage license and get married, which must be verified in the form of an ID. Couples must already be living together and representing themselves to others as a married couple. As such, they will have to sign an affidavit attesting to the details of their living arrangements and lifestyle. 

Couples must then file their confidential marriage license with the clerk’s office of the county in which they live. However, as long as they are married within the state of California, couples do not have to get married in the county where they applied for their license. Once all these preliminary steps are completed, couples may get married without the need for witnesses and their signatures.

The Cost of a Confidential Marriage License

Couples should also be aware that the cost of obtaining a confidential marriage license can vary by county. In some counties, the cost of a confidential license may be higher than that of a public license in order to cover the added privacy and protection it affords. However, in Los Angeles County, the license fees for confidential licenses are less expensive than a public license. 

Why It Helps to Have a Lawyer for This Process

While a family lawyer in Beverly Hills is not needed to obtain this type of marriage license, they can be beneficial in making sure you have everything you need before you apply. They can offer advice based on your circumstances and help you draft and review your affidavit. A lawyer can also help you determine if this type of license is right for you, as well as help with any other legal preparations for your marriage. 

Reasons Why Beverly Hills Couples Opt for Confidential Marriage Licenses

There are several reasons why a couple may decide to pursue a confidential marriage license over a traditional one. Most often, this comes down to privacy, but that may not be the only reason. This option may better suit the needs and preferences of the couple involved, and allow them more control over their wedding options and its visibility. Below are a few reasons why a couple may choose to opt for a confidential marriage license instead of going the traditional route.

Increased Privacy

As its name implies, a confidential marriage license keeps the documentation of your marriage out of public records, so it is not searchable. This also means that your names and personal information related to the marriage are not accessible to the public. Your wedding needs only involves you, your partner, and your officiant. This may be an especially attractive option for celebrity couples living in Beverly Hills who wish to enjoy their special day without interruption. 

No Witnesses Needed

Unlike traditional marriage licenses, confidential licenses do not require a witness to be present or sign the license. This means that this type of license may be ideal for couples who want to keep their ceremony intimate or elope. For some couples, this option can be helpful when there are complicated family dynamics that both parties wish to avoid on their special day. Couples can get married anywhere they wish as long as they have someone to marry them.

Simplified Process and Wedding

Obtaining a confidential marriage license is less involved than traditional marriage licenses. There is less paperwork and fewer requirements when getting married this way. Couples can also forego the many logistics and planning details associated with a traditional wedding and marriage license. This also means that you can get married quickly if you and your partner are ready to tie the knot without waiting any longer.

The Trade-Offs Associated With Confidential Marriage Licenses

In many ways, a confidential marriage license has no impact on your day-to-day life. Since its primary purpose is to obscure the record of your marriage, you can carry on as if you used a traditional license. However, there are moments when the confidentiality of your marriage record can pose challenges. This generally occurs when your marriage needs to be verified.

Confidential marriage licenses are typically only available to the couples who filed them. This means that in the event that you need to provide evidence of your marriage, you will have to take the extra step of requesting a copy of your license yourself before you can move forward. This can also present challenges if you and your spouse are taking legal, financial, or other such official actions where the status of your marriage must be validated. 

Additionally, while your confidential marriage license is valid and recognized throughout the state of California, it is unique to the state. As such, your marital status may not be recognized or supported as easily in other states. It can also make it more difficult to take certain actions when you live out of state. It is important to prepare for this if you and your spouse are planning to move outside of California. 

Potential Issues That May Require Legal Representation 

Disputes may sometimes arise regarding confidential marriage licenses. Family lawyers in Beverly Hills can step in to help when this happens. With their extensive experience and knowledge about the law, they can handle matters that dispute the validity of your marriage. They can also act quickly in situations where a confidential marriage license was used for fraudulent or dishonest pursuits.

Disputes are not the only issues that may arise that require a lawyer’s help. If a couple discovers an error in their marriage license or wants to make changes to it at a later date, they should seek legal counsel to complete this process. A lawyer can also ensure that the marriage license is filed correctly with the County Clerk’s Office. 

Prospective or newly married couples may also wish to take proactive steps regarding their marriage. A lawyer can also provide guidance and help with prenuptial agreements while also helping you with your confidential marriage license.  

Impact of a Confidential Marriage License on a Divorce

The purpose of a confidential license is to prevent your marriage from becoming a public record. However, if you file for a legal separation or a divorce, these proceedings will still be public. You will also still have to go through the process of filing divorce papers, dividing assets, developing a parenting plan, and determining child and/or spousal support. Your confidential marriage license has little bearing on your ability to dissolve your union. 

While a confidential marriage license does not have any impact on a marriage or the ability to get divorced, it can require extra work in some instances. The court may have to issue an order to obtain access to your marriage record for evidence, which can make your divorce process more complex and lengthy. Your marriage record may also be needed to make divorce decisions that are based on the date of your marriage, such as when marital property was established. 

Determining What Type of Marriage License Is Right for You and Your Partner

A confidential marriage license is not for everyone, so it is important to consider its pros and cons before determining how to proceed. 

Are You Okay Having a Small, Intimate Wedding?

When deciding if this is the right step for you, you should consider whether you are comfortable with such an intimate type of wedding. If, for example, you want a big wedding to celebrate with all of your family and friends, this type of license may not be right for you.

Given the emphasis a confidential marriage license puts on privacy, you must also decide how important this factor is to you. If you are well-known or want to limit what people can access about you in this digital age, then a confidential marriage license may be suited to your situation. However, if it does not make any difference to you, then a traditional license may be the better route. 

Will This Decision Affect Your Relationship with Family Members?

Family dynamics are also an important consideration when choosing your marriage license. While a confidential marriage license can be helpful depending on the relationships with your family, it could also damage family ties if you share the news of your marriage after the fact. You and your partner should carefully weigh the matter based on your specific circumstances.

Our Family Law Attorneys Can Help You Make the Right Decision

As you and your spouse discuss your options and the implications your marriage license has on your life, you must choose what makes the most sense for your situation. Our family law attorneys in Beverly Hills can walk you through everything in more detail if you are still unsure, so you can make an informed decision about your marriage license. 

S.L. Pitts Provides Trusted Counsel and Guidance Concerning Your Confidential Marriage License

S.L. Pitts can help you and your partner secure a confidential marriage license or resolve any issues related to your marriage license. We work diligently to simplify the process for you so you and your spouse can move forward with peace of mind. When you hire our team, we will sit down with you, answer your questions, learn about your situation, and determine the most effective way forward. We advocate for you and protect your rights every step of the way. 

Our team allows our core values to guide us in every interaction we have. This means that we prioritize you and your needs so you receive excellent representation and quality results. We lead with integrity, honesty, and respect, so we can build a relationship based on trust. Additionally, we work as a team and pursue and implement innovative solutions that creatively solve the challenges you face. We are here for you regardless of how straightforward or complex your case is. 

Contact S.L. Pitts About Obtaining a Confidential Marriage License in California

A confidential marriage license provides you and your partner with unique benefits upon your marriage. However, if an issue arises because of your license, S.L. Pitts helps you resolve these obstacles and protects your interests along the way. With exceptional service, extensive knowledge, and experience, we provide you with the clarity and guidance you need. To learn more about how we can serve you and your partner, contact our family law attorneys today.