### Question
How does the law define spouse?


### Answer
Under *45 U.S.C. § 231a*, **spouse** is defined as:

> the wife or husband of an annuitant under subsection (a)(1) of this section who (i) was married to such annuitant for a period of not less than one year immediately preceding the day on which the application for a spouse's annuity is filed, or in the month prior to his or her marriage to such annuitant was eligible for an annuity under paragraph (i) or (iv) of subsection (d)(1) of this section or, on the basis of disability, under paragraph (iii) thereof, or is the parent of such annuitant's son or daughter; 

#### Citation:
  - *45 U.S.C. § 231a*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 9-RETIREMENT OF RAILROAD EMPLOYEES > SUBCHAPTER IV-RAILROAD RETIREMENT ACT OF 1974**

