Thinking of getting married? The Alabama marriage law has changed. You had better make sure you are doing it right.

Here are the main things you need to know:

No More Marriage Licenses

In fact, you fill out a form and have it notarized. Then file it with the Probate Court. That is how you get married in Alabama now.

Official Anniversary Date

The date you sign and notarize the form is your official wedding date — not when you file it. You have 30 days after the signing to get it to the courthouse. This is important because if something happens to one of you, you are officially married even though the application is not yet filed.

You Do Not Have to Have A Ceremony

You can. You just don’t have to.

It used to be that you had to be married by a judge, minister or someone else in authority. That is gone. The legal reason was to make sure you were of age, not being forced into the marriage, and were competent to make the decision to marry.

There is at least one item in the new marriage rules that is unclear. Do both of you have to show up to file the marriage document? Some Probate Judges are pushing for it to make sure both parties can legally wed.

There is talk that signing the marriage application — and it being notarized — may become part of the legally unnecessary wedding ceremony. Not quite as romantic as throwing rose pedals, but perhaps more practical.

If you have more questions, we know a lot of family law attorneys to point you towards. Just give us a call. As a law firm, we focus on helping accident victims. If you or your child suffer a personal injury or have trouble with an insurance company, you can talk to us at the  Law Firm of Eiland and Ritchie  for free. We want to help you get back on your feet.

Also join us on  NBC 15 LawCall  here in Mobile every Sunday night at 10:30 right after the news. We will take your calls live.

Allen Ritchie

Alabama personal injury lawyer

The post AL Law Change: With This Notary Stamp I Thee Wed first appeared on Steele Ritchie.