Marital Status — What It Means and How to Fill It

Definition: Marital status = a person's civil status in relation to marriage.

In Hindi: वैवाहिक स्थिति (Vaivaahik Sthiti) • Vaivahik (वैवाहिक) = relating to marriage / matrimonial • Sthiti (स्थिति) = status / condition

Categories of Marital Status:

1. Single / Unmarried (अविवाहित — Avivahit) → Never been married; no current marriage

2. Married (विवाहित — Vivahit) → Currently in a legal marriage

3. Divorced (तलाकशुदा / विवाह विच्छेद — Talakshuda / Vivaah Vichchhed) → Previously married; legally divorced and currently single

4. Widowed (विधवा / विधुर — Vidhwa / Vidhur) → Spouse has died; not remarried • Widow = विधवा (Vidhwa) — female whose husband died • Widower = विधुर (Vidhur) — male whose wife died

5. Separated (अलग रहने वाला — Alag Rehne Wala) → Still legally married but living apart; separation not formalised by divorce

6. Remarried — married again after divorce or death of first spouse

How to Fill Marital Status in a Form: • If you have never married → write 'Single' or 'Unmarried' • If you are currently married → write 'Married' • If your spouse has passed away → write 'Widowed' • If you are legally divorced → write 'Divorced' • If you are married but living apart → write 'Separated'

Marital Status in Indian Law and Census: • The Indian Census collects marital status data • Affects: income tax (joint filing), insurance, inheritance, nomination in bank accounts • For government jobs: some forms ask for marital status for administrative purposes • For women: some legal rights (maintenance, alimony, HUF tax benefits) depend on marital status

Marital Status in Common Documents: • Aadhaar: does not show marital status • Passport: shows marital status (single, married, divorced, widowed) • Marriage certificate = official proof of married status