About a hundred years ago in Russia there was no such document as a marriage certificate. Rather, one could get an extract from the church book about the wedding, and the procedure itself should have been preceded by a three-time announcement of the upcoming ceremony. However, after the revolution, the state assumed the role of an institution that legitimized the relations of two people.
The marriage certificate is just an official document confirming that the union is legal and competent. Issue it to the relevant authorities of the registry office. However, the marriage certificate should not be confused with the term “civil union”. The latter appeared after only the secular ceremony began to be considered official, in contrast to the church wedding. Then the word "civilian" was equivalent to the concept of marriage concluded before government officials, and not clergy. By the way, Russia quite late - only in 1917 - switched to this institute of registration of the union. In many European countries (in the Netherlands - since 1580, in Germany - since 1875, in England - since 1836), it became possible to enter into
civil marriages. However, now in Russia under this word is meant, as a rule, relations without any registration.
What do you get with a marriage certificate
More and more couples are choosing the free - unofficial - status for partnership. In many countries, such unions are legally legalized, that is, they are equated in rights and obligations with “registered” ones. However, the marriage certificate is still the only document that is officially recognized as confirmation of marital relations. What follows is: simplification in obtaining a residence permit or citizenship for a wife or husband, almost automatic inheritance in the event of the death of one of the partners. In many countries, a marriage certificate provides an opportunity to receive tax benefits and deductions, as well as benefits. It imposes a number of obligations. For example, an official spouse in the event of a divorce may require child support not only for children (if any), but also for herself. The Family Code obliges even an ex-husband or wife to be supported if they are in financial distress and have no means of subsistence. But the document confirming the state registration of marriage is especially important when establishing rights to property, custody of children and family reunification.
What is useful marriage certificate for "abroad"
Suppose one of the spouses goes abroad. He settles down there and wants to pick up those close to him. In this case, a translation of the marriage certificate will be required, which will allow the second spouse to obtain a visa, and then a residence permit. Similarly, such a document will be needed when obtaining a passport - in case the surname has been changed. The apostille of the marriage certificate can be affixed by the consulate, the department of the Ministry of Justice or the registry office. Such a document will be necessary for the union to be recognized as officially registered in another state. In most countries, if the couple are in a joint household, they are entitled to tax deductions. In international unions, marriage certificate is especially important. Only it gives the husband or wife advantages in obtaining citizenship or a permanent residence permit in the country of the spouse. Marriages concluded only by religious rites are not recognized by most states and do not impose any rights and obligations.