secret second marriage

[cpa2011]

Re: secret second marriage

@Knight30

We got married Spur of the moment by a well known Imam, years later we find out that he was not licensed and our marriage is not registered, I am not sure if we should bother, what are the property implications if I die, I have several rental properties, I have named her the beneficiary on everything.

If your living in the US get legally married. Even though you have her as a beneficiary, you are going to cause her multiple problems.

1. Tax purposes, If your filing as "married filing Jointly, currently its fraud as you know your not actually married.
2. Transfers of property between spouses is not taxable, if you passaway, since your not married, all the property that will be giving to her will be subject to taxes after the gift tax.
3. Godforbid, you in a coma, or whatever health condition, she wont have rights to your health choices (like being on lifesupport)