What is a Common-Law Marriage?

If you've been living with your partner for an extended period of time and have shared financial and emotional responsibilities with your partner, you may have what is considered a common-law marriage. Simply living with your boyfriend or girlfriend does not necessarily qualify as a common law marriage under family law. The relationship and period of cohabitation must be considered substantial in length by a court and responsibilities must be shared. For example, a couple in a common law marriage might own property together, financially support one another, or even have children together.

Essentially, a common-law marriage is a relationship with all the aspects of marriage except the license. If you have a common-law marriage with your partner, you are usually entitled to certain rights similar to a spouse. Some jurisdictions do not recognize common law marriage as a legal union while others treat it very similarly to marriage.

If you have decided to separate from your common-law partner or are facing any other issues pertaining to a common-law marriage, speak to a Riverside family lawyer today about your options by contacting the Law Office of Michael Young to set up an initial consultation.