Common Law Marriages
You are considered legally married -- despite not having a marriage license, a ceremony, or a marriage certificate -- if your state recognizes common law marriages and you meet certain state law requirements. The majority of states do not recognize common law marriage. The legal criteria for what constitutes a common law marriage typically include carrying on as a married couple and holding themselves out to others as married, in addition to meeting the state's rules regarding who is eligible to marry whom.
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Learn About Common Law Marriages
You are considered legally married -- despite not having a marriage license, a ceremony, or a marriage certificate -- if your state recognizes common law marriages and you meet certain state law requirements. The majority of states do not recognize common law marriage. The legal criteria for what constitutes a common law marriage typically include carrying on as a married couple and holding themselves out to others as married, in addition to meeting the state's rules regarding who is eligible to marry whom.
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Learn About Common Law Marriages
- Common Law Marriage States Are you in a common law marriage? Each state has different laws pertaining to when you are considered legally married. While the majority of states do not recognize these types of unions, more than a dozen do. Is your state on the list?
- State and Local Cohabitation Several states and municipalities now recognize domestic relations rights. For unmarried cohabitants, here are state and local laws laying out what rights are available.
- Marriage FAQ If you have questions about what it means to be legally married, you've come to the right place. Find answers to commonly asked questions pertaining to personal property, common law marriage, and other marriage law matters.
- Common Law Marriage Checklist Even if you do not currently live in a state that specifically recognizes common law marriages, you may be able to establish that one exists or existed. This checklist lays out the documentation needed to establish a common law marriage.
- State Laws: Common Law Marriage While common law marriages were more popular when America was largely made up of rural communities, only a few states recognize common law marriages today. Use this list to find out which states do and which don't.
- State and Local Provisions Regarding Cohabitation While not all states consider couples who live together married, some states give special privileges to people who cohabitate. Take a look at this list to determine how your state handles cohabitation.