Many cohabiting couples are not aware of the importance of acquiring a marriage certificate.
They, therefore, are reluctant to apply for this important document. Here are some of the reasons why you should get that certificate.1. Prove of marriageLiving together does not validate your marriage. You might have even organised a traditional wedding but that too does not count much. If you have not done a church wedding or a simple wedding at the office of the registrar general, then your marriage might be considered null and void. To prove that you two are married, you need to show the marriage certificate as evidence.2. National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF)Just like you need a birth certificate to register your child in school, you need a marriage certificate to add your wife or your husband as a dependent in your NHIF card. The government is so strict on this one that if you do not show your marriage certificate, you will not be served by NHIF officials. In fact, they will direct you to go to the court and swear an affidavit.3. DivorceNo one wishes to get divorced but if it unfortunately occurs. In such a case, your marriage certificate will save the two of you a lot of trouble. When it comes to dividing properties, the law requires you to produce a marriage certificate first to prove that the State recognizes the marriage. If you don’t have a certificate, then you might get a raw deal while sharing out the properties. One party might take the lion's share and there is nothing you can do about it. After all, what proof do you have that the two of you are husband and wife?