Provides legal marriage rights for new spouse before a marriage ceremony
Legislation permitting active duty military service members to be married or enter into a civil union by proxy has been signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie.
Marriage by proxy allows an attorney to "stand in" for a service member and complete the legal necessities of marriage or civil union, thereby conferring tax treatment, health benefits, and power of attorney to a service member's partner while he or she is serving in armed conflict or war.
Sen. Diane Allen (R-Burlington), the sponsor of the legislation, said Thursday that the new law will ensure that only the wedding ceremonies, not legal rights, are delayed as a result of military service.
