Fill Your California Vs116 Form

The California VS116 form is essential for declaring a marriage that has already taken place. However, several other documents often accompany this form to ensure that all legal requirements are met. Below is a list of related forms that may be necessary in the marriage process.

• Marriage License Application: This document must be completed and submitted to obtain a marriage license. It includes personal information about both parties and is typically required before the marriage ceremony.
• Certificate of Marriage: After the marriage ceremony, this certificate serves as the official record of the marriage. It is usually issued by the officiant and must be filed with the county clerk.
• Witness Statements: These statements are signed by individuals who witnessed the marriage ceremony. They confirm that the ceremony took place and that the parties were present.
• Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry: This document may be required to affirm that both parties are legally eligible to marry, such as confirming that previous marriages have been legally dissolved.
• Change of Name Form: If either party wishes to change their name after marriage, this form may be necessary to officially document the new name with relevant government agencies.
• Confidential Marriage License: This option allows couples to keep their marriage records private. It is an alternative to the public marriage license and may have different filing requirements.

Each of these documents plays a crucial role in the marriage process in California. Ensure that all necessary forms are completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner to avoid any legal complications.

• Misconception 1: The VS116 form is only for couples who are getting married in California.

This form is also used for couples declaring a marriage that has already been solemnized but lacks an official record.

• Misconception 2: You can make changes to the form after filling it out.

The form must be legible and free from any alterations, including erasures or whiteouts. Any mistakes may require a new form.

• Misconception 3: You automatically receive a certified copy of your marriage license.

After completing the form, you must specifically request and pay for a certified copy from the local registrar.

• Misconception 4: The first names of the parties can be changed on the form.

The first names cannot be altered. Only middle and last names can be changed upon solemnization of the marriage.

• Misconception 5: The VS116 form is only for heterosexual couples.

The form is applicable to all couples, including same-sex couples, as long as they meet California’s marriage requirements.

• Misconception 6: You can submit the form anytime after the marriage ceremony.

The completed form must be returned within 10 days of the marriage ceremony to ensure proper registration.

• Misconception 7: A marriage license is valid indefinitely.

The marriage license expires 90 days after the issue date. It cannot be used after the expiration date indicated on the form.

How to Use California Vs116

Completing the California VS116 form is a critical step in formalizing a marriage declaration. This form requires accurate information to ensure that the marriage is legally recognized. After filling out the form, it must be signed by both parties and witnessed before submission to the local registrar.

1. Use dark ink to complete the form, ensuring all information is legible.
2. In the "Groom" section, fill in your first name, middle name, current last name, and last name at birth (if different).
3. Provide your date of birth, state or country of birth, and the number of previous marriages or State Registered Domestic Partnerships (SRDP).
4. Indicate how your last marriage or SRDP ended and the date it ended.
5. Fill in your address, city, state or country, and zip code.
6. List the full birth names of both parents along with their states of birth.
7. Repeat the same process for the "Bride" section, filling in all relevant personal details.
8. Both parties must sign the declaration under penalty of perjury in the designated signature fields.
9. Enter the date and place of the marriage in the respective sections.
10. Both parties sign again in the specified fields after the marriage ceremony.
11. Have two witnesses sign the form, providing their names and addresses as required.
12. Return the completed form to the local registrar of marriages (County Recorder) within 10 days of the ceremony.