A marriage that conforms to legal requirements protects those involved in many ways, such as by defining responsibilities toward the children (including maintenance and education) and rights of inheritance.
Abielu seaduslik registreerimine kaitseb abielu sõlmijaid mitmel viisil, näiteks sätestab see kohustused laste suhtes (sealhulgas ülalpidamise ja hariduse) ning pärimisõigused.