Topic: Marriage License, Prenuptual, Will, Changing Names
Timeframe: Six Months

Marriage License

Obtaining a License in Pittsburgh
There are two ways to obtain a marriage license:
1. Complete the Online Marriage License Application. An email address is required. Once you’ve completed the online application, you will receive a verification email and your application will be placed on file with the Department of Court Records Marriage License Bureau.
Note: An application for a marriage license is NOT a marriage license.
2. Come into the office and complete the online application. A clerk will be available to assist you, if needed.
In either case, both applicants seeking a marriage license must appear together in person at the Marriage License Bureau of the Wills/Orphans’ Court Division to complete the process. Photo identification is required when you appear at the Marriage License Bureau.
Once the Application for Marriage License has been submitted, the couple has appeared in person at the Marriage License Bureau and the three (3) day waiting period required by the State has passed, the Marriage License can be mailed (at no extra cost) to an address provided by the couple. With this option, couples can save on parking fees, missed time from work or a second trip to downtown Pittsburgh.
The Marriage License Bureau is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Wednesday until 7:30 pm, with the exception of holidays (double check hours-Video conferencing may be available due to Covid).
Department of Court Records
Wills / Orphans’ Court Division
Marriage License Bureau
414 Grant Street
1st Floor, City-County Building
Pittsburgh, PA 15219 • 412-350-4230
https://dcr.alleghenycounty.us/Marriage/Application/DemographicInfo.aspx
Applicants should take the necessary steps to obtain a Marriage License 2 to 3 weeks before the scheduled date of their marriage ceremony.
Pennsylvania law requires a three (3) day waiting period between the date applicants apply for a Marriage License and when the license may be issued.
The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued and may be picked up from the Marriage License Bureau by either of the applicants, a friend or a relative.
A Marriage License issued in Allegheny County may be used anywhere in the Commonwealth of PA. Likewise, a license issued in any other county in Pennsylvania may be used in Allegheny County.
Google Marriage License Pa for all of the details, costs, laws and restrictions.

Prenuptial Agreement

A prenuptial agreement is a legally binding document, prepared prior to the wedding, which details assets brought into the marriage and provides for the distribution of property in the event of a divorce. While no one likes to think that their marriage will not last, the number of second marriages continues to attest to the fact that not all marriages survive. A prenuptial agreement can provide protection for both parties in the event of a divorce.

Many people are tending to marry at an older age, arriving at the altar with an established career and sometimes significant assets. Additionally, those who have been previously married may bring assets they want passed on to the children of the prior marriage in the event of their death. While division of assets upon death is tradit ionally covered in a will, a prenuptial agreement will help prevent problems such as a contested will from occurring.

Should you decide to enter into a prenuptial agreement, remember that you must each acquire the services of independent attorneys. The same attorney cannot fairly represent both parties.

Will

A will is a vital document that dictates the disposition of a person’s property upon his/her death. The preparation of a will is generally a simple process. It can encompass as little as disposition of personal assets among relatives, friends, and/or charities, or as much as establishing guardianship of children and implementing a trust to care for their share of the assets.

It is highly recommended that you seek the counsel of an attorney to ensure that your will is valid. Should you not wish to use the services of an attorney, you can consider several do-it-yourself books, kits, and/or computer programs on the market.

Changing Names

Traditionally, the bride has assumed the husband’s family name upon marriage. Today, many brides prefer to retain their own family name. Women with established professional reputations in their own name are reluctant to surrender their hard-won identity. Check with an attorney if you are considering alternative solutions, such as a new, blended family name.

Should you decide to retain your own name, you should discuss how you would handle the last names of any children born. This can be as simple as having children use their father’s last name, or using the hyphenated version of both names.

While a bride who retains her last name may not have to worry about name changes, you should still keep in mind that marriage might bring about a change of address or a change of beneficiary. Be sure to review your financial records and determine which changes you will need to make.