With marriage laws in a state of flux, it is difficult to give unqualified answers to many of the serious and important questions people ask about law and marriage. To a great extent, each state is sovereign in the laws affecting marriage. Courts are playing an active role in defining and changing the legal consequences of marriage and other relationships. The important issues and considerations that cut across the laws and court decisions of all states are the focus of this booklet. The information is presented in question/answer format. The six chapters and some of the topics they cover are as follows: (1) "Defining Marriage Legally"--getting married, common-law marriage, name changes, premarital contracts, invalid marriages, living together outside of marriage; (2) "The Financial Side"--property, debts, equal credit legislation, estate planning; (3) "Children"--abortion, reproduction and childbirth, paternity and support, adoption, abuse and neglect laws; (4) "Your Conduct Toward Each Other"--sexual relations, domestic violence; (5) "Breaking Apart"--separation, annulment, divorce, spousal support, custody, visitation, and (6) "When a Spouse Dies" --wills, if there is no will, and children and inheritance. The booklet concludes with a section on where to obtain for more help. (JB)