10 Legal Things to Do After Getting Married That Could Save You Big Time!

Congrats on tying the knot!

Now that you're officially married, it's time to tackle some important legal things to do after getting married to keep your future stress-free.

Marriage is an exciting milestone, but beyond the celebrations, there are key things to change when you get married—from updating legal documents to securing financial accounts.

Taking care of these now can save you from unexpected hassles down the road.

Imagine the relief of knowing everything is in order—your rights are protected, your name (if changed) is updated, and all the after-marriage checklist items are checked off.

While these tasks might not be the most romantic, they’re some of the most important for your future together.

In this guide, we’ll cover what to do after getting married, from legal paperwork to financial adjustments—so you can focus on enjoying married life without the stress.

Things to Change After Getting Married: Your New Legal Rights and Benefits

Marriage isn’t just a romantic commitment—it also comes with important legal things to do after getting married to ensure both you and your spouse are legally protected.

From financial benefits to healthcare decisions, knowing what to change when you get married helps set a strong foundation for your future.

Let’s break down the key legal benefits you gain as a couple:

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Knowing what to do after getting married ensures your legal rights are secured, protecting both you and your spouse in the long run.

Up next, we’ll guide you through your after-marriage checklist—including things to do after getting married to update legal documents, finances, and more!

Your Essential After-Marriage Checklist

The wedding may be over, but your next chapter as a married couple is just beginning. While you’re settling into married life, there are some important tasks you don’t want to overlook.

These legal things to do after getting married will ensure you're both legally and financially on the same page, ready to build your future together without any surprises.

Legal Steps and Updates After Marriage

Marriage is a legal milestone that requires some essential updates to align your personal and legal affairs.

Take these steps to ensure everything is in order:

• Filing a Marriage Certificate
• Choosing a Last Name
• Updating Your Credit Accounts
• Making Healthcare Decisions

1. Filing a Marriage Certificate

Your marriage certificate is the official proof that you’re legally married—it’s different from the marriage license, which only gives you permission to wed.

Once your wedding is complete, this official document will be issued by the relevant government authority, typically within a few weeks.

Here’s what to do once you receive it:

Once it does, take a moment to check everything over. Is your name spelled right? Are the details correct? 

✔ Check for Errors – Make sure your name, wedding date, and other details are correct to avoid future legal issues.

✔ Order Certified Copies – Many institutions, such as the Social Security Administration, banks, and insurance companies, require certified copies when updating your records.

✔ Know Where to Request It – Depending on your state or country, you may need to request your certificate from the county clerk’s office or another issuing authority.

If you want a simpler and less expensive option to a traditional wedding consider online marriage services like Courtly. For an all-inclusive fee, Courtly handles all the necessary paperwork and only needs to collect basic information from you.

You don’t even have to go through all the trouble of applying for a marriage license because we can do that for you too!

2. Choosing a Last Name

Adopting your spouse's surname is not a legal obligation, however, many individuals choose to uphold this tradition, which can simplify future paperwork processes.

If you’re considering it, here’s how to navigate the process smoothly:

🔹 Step 1: Start with Official Documents

• Social Security Card – Update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) first.
• Driver’s License or State ID – Once the SSA approves your name change, head to the DMV for a new ID.

🔹 Step 2: Update Financial & Personal Accounts

• Notify banks, credit card providers, and insurance companies about the change.
• Don’t forget subscriptions, utility bills, and professional licenses.

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3. Updating Your Credit Accounts

Marriage can bring financial changes, and one of the legal things to do after getting married is updating your credit accounts. Whether you’ve changed your last name or combined finances, keeping your records accurate is key.

🔹 Step 1: Review Your Credit Accounts

Start by pulling your free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com. This gives you a clear overview of all your credit cards, loans, and accounts that may need updates.

🔹 Step 2: Update Your Information

Most creditors allow you to update your name and marital status through their online portals or customer service. You’ll usually need:

✔ Your marriage certificate

✔ Updated photo ID

🔹 Step 3: Monitor Your Credit After Changes

Check your credit report regularly to ensure your updates are reflected correctly and to catch any errors early.

4. Making Healthcare Decisions

One of the legal things to do after getting married is to ensure your spouse has the legal authority to make medical decisions on your behalf.

While spouses typically have automatic rights, it’s still essential to have the right documents in place to avoid complications.

✔ Set Up a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare – This legally allows your spouse (or another trusted individual) to make medical decisions if you’re unable to do so. It can be updated or revoked any time.

✔ Create an Advance Directive – This outlines your specific medical wishes for critical health situations, ensuring that your choices are honored.

✔ Update Health Insurance & Emergency Contacts – If you’re on separate health insurance plans, explore the best option for coverage. Also, update your emergency contacts with your doctor and hospital.

Even if your spouse has automatic rights, official documentation makes healthcare decisions smoother—especially in emergencies. Add this to your after-marriage checklist to avoid issues down the road.

Financial & Property Changes After Getting Married

Marriage intertwines more than just lives—it connects finances, too.

Laying out a clear financial plan ensures a stable future, from day-to-day banking to long-term goals.

Here are some important insights on what to change when you get married to ensure financial harmony and future security:

• Creating a Joint Bank Account
• Updating Beneficiaries
• Planning for Retirement
• Protecting Assets

5. Creating a Joint Bank Account

One of the things to change when you get married is how you manage your finances.

Setting up a joint bank account isn’t mandatory, but it can make handling shared expenses and long-term financial planning much easier.

✔ Simplifies Expenses – Paying for rent, utilities, groceries, and other shared costs becomes more seamless.

✔ Eases Financial Emergencies – Both partners can access funds when needed without waiting for approvals.

✔ Streamlines Taxes – Having income and expenses in one place makes tax filing less complicated.

✔ Encourages Financial Transparency – Helps build trust, promotes discussions about budgeting, and keeps finances open.

Think of it as an investment in your financial future together!

6. Updating Beneficiaries

While some of these actions may occur prior to the wedding, it is likely that you will need to revise your life insurance, car insurance, and health insurance policies to encompass both yourself and your spouse. 

These changes are usually straightforward, however, it's important to keep in mind that adding coverage may result in increased expenses. 

Depending on your state and the benefits you receive, you may need to update your insurance and other accounts to include your new spouse.

It's also a good idea to get a trusted insurance agent, like Policy Genius, to help you put together a health and life insurance plan. 

An insurance agent can help you sift through all the different options and complicated contracts. They can help you find the best policy at a price plan that suits your budget. Plus, they can answer all the questions you may have about protecting your future.

7. Planning for Retirement

Retirement may feel far away, but one of the most important things to do after getting married is to review long-term financial plans as a couple.

Whether you have a 401(k), IRA, or other savings accounts, aligning your strategies now ensures a stable future.

Marriage can also affect Social Security benefits, tax planning, and healthcare coverage later in life. Reviewing contributions, adjusting investments, and understanding how spousal benefits work can help maximize savings and reduce financial stress down the road.

A clear plan makes it easier to stay on track, prepare for unexpected costs, and build a retirement that supports your shared goals.

8. Protecting Assets

No one likes to think about it, but one of the most important legal things to do after getting married is ensuring your assets are protected.

It doesn’t matter if you’re newlyweds building wealth together or already have established assets. Having the right legal documents in place can prevent complications down the road.

If you don’t already have an estate plan, now is the time to create one.

If you do, updating it ensures your wills, trusts, and powers of attorney reflect your new marital status.

Taking these steps now makes sure your spouse is legally protected, and your wishes are honored.

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Administrative Tasks and Practical Changes

A few practical updates can make navigating your new life together smoother. Don’t forget to handle these essentials:

• Obtaining a New Driver’s License or State ID
• Applying for a Spousal Visa (if needed)

9. Obtaining a New Driver’s License or State ID

Updating your driver’s license or state ID is one of the first legal things to do after getting married, especially if you’ve changed your last name.

While the process varies by state, the steps are generally the same.

💡 What You’ll Need:

✔ Updated Social Security card (if changing your name)

✔ Current driver’s license or ID

✔ Marriage certificate (original or certified copy)

✔ Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement)

Preparation is key here.

Before heading to the DMV, check your state's requirements on their website. Some states might need additional documents, especially if you’ve changed your name multiple times in the past.

10. Applying for a Spousal Visa (If Needed)

Applying for a spousal visa is a big step, but don’t worry, you’ve got this. While the process can be lengthy and complicated, breaking it down makes it manageable.

Start by completing the application form with all the necessary documents: proof of your marriage, your spouse’s birth certificate, passport, and possibly photos of the two of you together.

You'll also need to prove that your relationship is genuine. That means providing emails, letters, photos—anything that shows the real deal. 

Finally, don’t forget the affidavit of support. This document confirms that the sponsoring spouse will financially support the applicant.

Once your application is approved, your spouse will receive their visa, and they’ll be able to stay in the country for a specified time.

If you'd rather get help with your application and increase your chances of approval, we recommend seeking a trusted immigration lawyer who can walk you through the process step-by-step.

Finalizing Your After Marriage Checklist

Entering marriage comes with its fair share of excitement—and some essential legal things to do after getting married.

While these post-wedding steps might seem daunting, they set the foundation for a smooth and secure future together. 

From updating your credit accounts to planning for retirement, these tasks ensure your finances, legal rights, and personal information are in perfect order.

Tackling them now prevents complications later, making life easier in the long run.

The best part? Once these updates are complete, you can focus on what truly matters—building a life together.

And if you're looking for extra help with any of these steps, Courtly’s here to make it easy for you—whether it’s handling your marriage certificate paperwork or guiding you through the name change process.

We’ll take care of the details so you can focus on the moments that matter most.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there anything you need to do after getting married?

Yes! There are several legal things to do after getting married, including updating important documents like your will, insurance policies, and bank accounts. If you change your name, be sure to update it with the Social Security office, DMV, and other institutions.

2. What is the next step after marriage?

The next step is handling your after-marriage checklist, which includes updating personal and legal records, changing your name (if applicable), adjusting your tax status, reviewing insurance, and possibly combining finances.

3. How do I become legal after marriage?

You become legally married once you obtain a marriage certificate from the state. Afterward, you may need to update various documents like your name, tax status, and health benefits.

4. What are the legal responsibilities after marriage?

After marriage, you must adhere to legal obligations such as shared property ownership, joint financial responsibilities, and updating your legal status on relevant documents like insurance and tax forms.

5. How do I update my name on my Social Security card after marriage?

To update your name with the Social Security Administration, you will need to fill out Form SS-5 and provide a copy of your marriage certificate as proof. After completing the application, submit it to the SSA to get your new card.

6. Do I need to update my insurance policies after marriage?

Yes, after marriage, you should review and possibly update your insurance policies, including health, life, and auto insurance. Add your spouse as a beneficiary on life insurance and ensure they are covered under your health insurance plan if necessary.

7. Do I need to update my tax filing status after marriage?

After marriage, you have the option to file taxes as "Married Filing Jointly" or "Married Filing Separately." It's important to choose the option that benefits your financial situation and update your withholding information with your employer.