Reply To: Marriage License- Is it required prior to the chassuna?

I’ve seen two situations where, in a state like NY, that doesn’t recognize common law , someone woukd not get married civilly.

The most common reason is that the woman would lose her social security benefits upon remarriage ( if the benefits derived from prior husband )

The other scenario involves custody/financial issues in the civil divorce. The husband gives the get so he gat remarried halachacly before the civil divorce is final