To Marry or Not to Marry? Common Law Marriage vs Legal Marriage Explained

Relationship

Common Law Marriage

A Common Law Marriage

A Common Law Marriage is a marriage that is recognized by law without having gone through the formalities of a ceremony or obtaining a marriage license. Instead, couples live together and hold themselves out as married, with the intent to be married.

Requirements for Validity

For a Common Law Marriage to be valid, three requirements must be met. First, the couple must live together as husband and wife.

This means that they share a residence and live together as a romantic couple. Second, they must hold themselves out as being married.

This means that they publicly acknowledge that they are in a committed relationship and present themselves as a married couple. This includes introducing each other as “my spouse” and filing joint tax returns.

Lastly, the couple must have the intent to be married. This means that they have a mutual understanding that they are committed to each other for the long haul and intend to have a lifelong relationship.

Advantages of Common Law Marriage

One of the advantages of Common Law Marriage is that it gives a couple the same marital rights and responsibilities as legal marriage, including the right to make medical decisions for one another, the right to inherit from each other, and the right to file a joint tax return. Another benefit is that it protects couples who may not be able to get married legally, such as same-sex couples or couples who are unable to obtain a marriage license due to their immigration status.

Disadvantages of Common Law Marriage

Unlike legal marriage, there is no presumption of marriage with Common Law Marriage. This means that if a couple breaks up, one partner may have difficulty proving that they were in a Common Law Marriage and therefore not entitled to the same legal benefits as a married couple.

Couples who are in a Common Law Marriage are also not entitled to divorce or survivorship benefits without proof of their relationship. This can make it difficult for the surviving partner to claim inheritance or social security benefits if their partner passes away.

Reasons for Choosing Not to Get Married

While marriage has its benefits, some couples choose not to get married due to various reasons.

Fear of Cost

One reason why people choose not to get married is the cost associated with it. Weddings can be expensive, and not everyone wants to spend a lot of money on a single event that lasts a day or two.

Formalities of Ceremonial Wedding

Another reason is the formalities associated with a ceremonial wedding. Some people find the idea of walking down the aisle, saying vows in front of a large group of people, and having a formal ceremony uncomfortable or unnecessary.

Time and Legal Procedures

Legal procedures and time involved in getting married can also be a factor in why some couples choose not to get married. Obtaining a marriage license and planning a wedding can be time-consuming and stressful.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to have a Common Law Marriage or not, the decision to make a lifelong commitment to someone you love is a personal one. While there are benefits of legal marriage, there are also challenges and reasons why some people choose not to get married.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to find a relationship that is fulfilling and makes you happy. Have you been wondering what the differences are between a Common Law Marriage and a Legal Marriage?

Or maybe you’re considering getting married and want to know the benefits of consulting a family law attorney to guide you through the legal process. In this article, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between Common Law Marriage and Legal Marriage, as well as the importance of consulting a family law attorney.

Common Law Marriage vs Legal Marriage

Common Law Marriage and Legal Marriage have similarities and differences in terms of marital rights and responsibilities, financial and legal disadvantages, formalization and public record.

Similarities

Couples in a Common Law Marriage have the same marital rights and responsibilities as couples who are legally married. They share property and debts acquired during the relationship, and they are entitled to spousal benefits such as healthcare, employment, and tax benefits.

Both forms of marriages have financial and legal disadvantages. For instance, termination of a Common Law Marriage may require legal intervention, which may lead to higher legal costs.

With Legal Marriage, the cost of wedding expenses, legal paperwork, and divorce proceedings may also contribute to financial challenges.

Differences

One significant difference between Common Law Marriage and Legal Marriage is the formalization of the relationship. For Legal Marriage, a couple needs to get a marriage certificate and vow to love, honor and cherish each other.

The legal documentation has to be filed with the appropriate authorities, and the couple’s names are entered into the public record. On the other hand, Common Law Marriage does not require formalization.

All that is required is that the couple lives together as husband and wife and holds themselves out as being married. Another significant difference is the public record of the marriage.

Legal Marriage is recorded in the public domain, and anyone can search for and access the marriage certificate. Common Law Marriage, however, is not recorded in any public databases.

Importance of Consulting a Family Law Attorney

Variation in State Laws

Marriage laws vary between states, and it’s essential to consult a family law attorney to ensure that your relationship is recognized under the law in your state of residence. It would be unfortunate to assume that you are in a Common Law Marriage only to find that your state does not recognize it.

By consulting an experienced family law attorney, they can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your rights and obligations.

Needed Information and Advice

A family law attorney understands the legalities of marriage and can provide you with the necessary information and advice. They can advise you on how to protect your interests and ensure that your rights are protected in a Common Law Marriage or Legal Marriage.

A family law attorney can help you make informed decisions about your relationship and provide guidance in concluding and terminating the same.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision to have a Common Law Marriage or Legal Marriage is up to the individual couple. However, it is essential to understand the similarities and differences between the two and the importance of consulting an experienced family law attorney.

A family law attorney can provide you with the necessary legal information and advice, ensure that your rights are protected, and help you make informed decisions about your relationship. In summary, this article explored the requirements, advantages, and disadvantages of Common Law Marriage, as well as the reasons why some people choose not to get married.

We also compared Common Law Marriage to Legal Marriage, highlighting their similarities and differences. Finally, we emphasized the importance of consulting a family law attorney to understand the legal complexities of both forms of marriages and help you make informed decisions about your relationship.

With this information, you can make a well-informed decision about which form of marriage best fits your relationship and protect your legal rights and obligations.

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