What documents are necessary to determine a bona fide marriage?
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- Photographs that show both spouses together and with family and friends. These photographs can be taken at the wedding, at other functions or events, and throughout their relationship.
- Letters between the couple before the marriage, with their postmarked envelope.
- Evidence of trips the couple has taken together, including bills and receipts reflecting hotel stays, car rental, plane tickets, postcards sent to family members while on the trip.
- Birth certificates of children of the marriage.
- Copies of joint income tax returns.
- Evidence of joint checking or savings accounts.
- Photo ID cards of both spouses with a new card for the wife showing her married name.
- Driver's licenses, credit cards, check cashing cards, employment ID cards, video club memberships, etc. for both parties.
- Real property deeds showing joint tenancy.
- Apartment lease or a letter from the landlord indicating that both spouses live at the apartment or copies of rent receipts showing both parties' names.
- Letter from an employer showing a change in records to reflect the spouses' new marital status.
- Letter from an employer showing designation of the spouse as the person to be notified in event of accident, sickness, or other emergency.
- Evidence of life insurance policies where the spouse is named as beneficiary.
- Evidence of medical or health insurance plans, which name the spouse as a member or beneficiary.
- Evidence of correspondence between parties, including letters, birthday and holiday cards, telephone calls, and other correspondence addressed to the parties.
- Religious marriage certificates if the couple had a church wedding.
- Copies of gas, electric, telephone and other utility bills.
- Evidence of joint ownership of an automobile.
- Evidence of all major purchases made together, such as stereo, television, refrigerator, washer, dryer, etc.
- Pictures of spouse and family.
© 2000 McCoy Law Office
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