St. Vincent's had argued that the civil union did not make him a legal spouse for purposes of the suit.

The Queen is not my love, but she is my legal spouse.

For example, he said, a previous owner could have incorrectly stated his marital status, resulting in a possible claim by his legal spouse.

The ruling, which ultimately could affect all New Jersey state employees, said the benefits plan for state workers extended only to legal spouses.

Anyone can sponsor his or her legal spouse for immigration purposes so long as the marriage is valid.

And it's a good guess she was your legal spouse, Arthur.

"The only nonstudents who may live in family housing are legal spouses and dependent children," he said.

Moreover, why restrict family reunification purely to the legal spouse and dependent children under certain circumstances?