{"id":351891,"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-marriages-faq-s-what-states-recognize-common-law.html"},"modified":"2024-03-26T12:13:00","modified_gmt":"2024-03-26T17:13:00","slug":"common-law-marriages-faq-s-what-states-recognize-common-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage\/common-law-marriages-faq-s-what-states-recognize-common-law.html","title":{"rendered":"Common Law Marriage FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Common Law Marriage FAQ<\/h1>\n
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\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
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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
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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

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In some states, the law treats common law marriages the same as traditional marriages. Once established, this marital relationship grants many of the same legal rights as a formal marriage. This article includes some frequently asked questions about common law marriage. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

How do you know if you have a common law marriage? If you live with a roommate for five years, are you a married couple?<\/p>\r\n

Generally, no.<\/p>\r\n

Common law marriage can change the marital status of an unmarried couple to a legally married couple \u2014 even if the couple never had a formal wedding ceremony or a marriage license<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

A valid common law marriage<\/a> (informal marriage) requires that a couple:
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