Common law marriage is often seen as an alternative to conventional marriage. Instead of getting a license, couples live together as spouses, without a wedding. As long as the couple truly intends to be married, a common law marriage valid in one state is recognized in all states.
Which States Allow Common Law Marriages?
As of the time of this writing, common law marriages are allowed in fifteen states plus the District of Columbia. The states allowing it are as follows: Texas, Utah, South Carolina, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Ohio, New Hampshire, Montana, Kansas, Iowa, Idaho (if the marriage took place before Jan. 1, 1996), Georgia (for marriages before Jan 1, 1997), DC, Colorado and Alabama. The Law Offices of Kevin M Smith PA, can help you determine whether you can be married under common law.
Becoming Common Law Married
A male and a female living together as a married couple can be married under common law. The intent to marry can be shown by the spouses acting like a married couple, and by the parties performing actions such as:
* Filing a joint tax return
* Calling themselves “husband and wife”
* Sharing a last name
* Wearing rings
Relocating to States Disallowing Common Law Marriages
If you marry someone under common law, and relocate to a state that doesn’t allow these marriages, your marriage is still valid because it was done in a state allowing common law marriage.
Getting Divorced from a Common Law Marriage
To get a divorce from a common law spouse, you must follow the same procedures as a conventionally married couple. The obligations and rights of common law couples are the same as those of traditionally married couples. Because of this, a Divorce Attorney in Wichita KS, will handle your case in the same way.
If a Person Needs a Divorce from a Common Law Spouse. Do They Have to Hire an Attorney?
It can be very unclear whether a couple is married under common law, and it can be further complicated if the parties are not aware of the rights and responsibilities of a common law marriage. A divorce lawyer or family attorney can help you learn about common law marriage, and they can help you apply that knowledge to your situation. If you need to end such a marriage, a Divorce Attorney in Wichita KS, can assist you in filing the proper paperwork in your state.
