{"id":351889,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:38","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/marriage\/common-law-marriage-states.html"},"modified":"2026-07-06T09:30:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T14:30:00","slug":"common-law-marriage-states","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage\/common-law-marriage-states.html","title":{"rendered":"Common Law Marriage: State Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Common Law Marriage: State Guide<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Hanan Zaki, J.D., LL.M.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A common law marriage is an informal marriage where couples do not have a marriage license, marriage ceremony, or marriage certificate. These couples must meet the requirements in their state before the state will recognize their common law marriage. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Only a handful of states have common law marriages. A few other states have limited common law marriage. What is the purpose of common law marriage<\/a> and why is it significant?<\/p>\n

If you have been in a long-term relationship but never completed the paperwork to get officially married, you could still be entitled to the same benefits available for married couples, depending on your state.<\/p>\n

The benefits of common law marriage include:<\/p>\n