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I was married for 36 years in FL and was surprised one morning when it was announced my ex was getting a divorce. I moved to another part of the country, mourned the loss of my marriage, then pulled myself up and started dating again. Met a wonderful man July 2006. We dated heavily and in Dec. he asked me to marry him. We then picked out a house for us and moved in together. After all this time, it's still as wonderful as the first and we love each other more and more. Seems like he was the part of my life that was missing and I didn't even know it. Anyway, due to my old fashioned values, I'd like to get married. But I get $1400 a month in support from my ex as he got caught with "his hands in the cookie jar" If we marry, I loose that. Can a ceremony be held without the benefit of a marriage license and clergy? Is it considered legal? How are the assets/liabilities handled? Insurances? Power of attorneys? Healthcare? Would we be considered a married couple with the traditional license? Can I take his name? If anyone has any information about this, please advise.