Alabama’s New Marriage Form

Although the Alabama Attorney General is hoping the U.S. Supreme Court will block gay marriages within the state, the Department of Health is preparing for another outcome. 

The department is sending new marriage forms to probate judges in 67 counties.  Instead of listing “bride” and “groom,” the new forms include “first listed spouse” and “second listed spouse.”  Additionally, there are other changes making the marriage certificate slightly longer.  For example, it now asks the gender of each spouse, which will allow the state to track how many marriage licenses the state will issue to gay couples. 

See Brendan Kirby, Alabama Has New Marriage Form—‘First Listed Spouse’ and ‘Second Listed Spouse’, AL.com, Feb. 5, 2015.

Special thanks to Brian Cohan (Attorney at Law, Law Offices of Brian J. Cohan, P.C.) for bringing this article to my attention.