My fiancé and I are planning to get married. What are the real legal obligations a marriage encompasses according to family law?

Generally, whether a common law marriage exists or a traditional, ceremonial marriage has been performed, there are several obligations that arise out of marriage. Those rights, under most state family laws provide: * Each spouse to provide mutual respect and fidelity to each other; * Spousal support, whether in the form of food, shelter, clothing and meeting basic needs * Commonality of marital property, i.e. property acquired during the marriage belongs fairly and equally to both parties * Joint responsibility for debts incurred during the marriage * The enjoyment of a confidential relationship, meaning that each spouse is assured that there is good faith within the marriage relationship as to fairness and equality.