[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#3C1518″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/CLS_ARTWORK_6.png” background_enable_mask_style=”on” background_mask_style=”wave” background_mask_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9)” background_last_edited=”on|desktop” use_background_color_gradient_tablet=”on” background_color_gradient_stops_tablet=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9) 0%|rgba(255,255,255,0.9) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image_tablet=”on” background_position_tablet=”bottom_center” background_enable_mask_style_tablet=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Common Law Marriage” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][dmpro_breadcrumbs bc_custom_home=”on” bc_home_text=”Home” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-30px|||5px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/dmpro_breadcrumbs][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”What is the legal definition of Common Law Marriage? ” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font_size=”36px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Colorado is one of the few remaining states that recognizes common law marriage, but it is often misunderstood.<\/p>\n
Two people are common-law married through mutual agreement or consent to enter into the legal and social institution of marriage followed by conduct manifesting (i.e. showing or demonstrating) that mutual agreement.<\/p>\n
Another way to say this is that two people are common law married when they 1) agree to be married and then 2) both act like a married couple.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/family.jpg” alt=”Happy Family ” title_text=”Family” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”400px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F3F3F3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Common Law Marriage FAQs” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font_size=”36px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”I have been with my girlfriend for over 7 years. Does that mean we are common law married?” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
You are not common law married based on the length of your relationship alone. For example, a common law marriage may be established in one day and a long-term couple may never be common law married.<\/p>\n
A common law marriage is more than a committed partnership or long-term boyfriend\/girlfriend. It is the intention to enter into a marital relationship\u2014to share a life together as spouses in a committed, intimate relationship of mutual support and mutual obligation. <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”How do I prove that I\u2019m common law married?” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, it is not possible to definitively say if someone is common law married without a court or agency decision (usually done as part of the divorce or probate case). The court will consider many types of evidence to determine if a common law marriage exists including:<\/p>\n
The Court will consider all the evidence together\u2014there is no single element that will prove or disprove a common law marriage. <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”I consider myself married, but I have never filed taxes with my spouse. Does that mean I am not common law married?” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
No, there is no single fact that proves or disproves a common law marriage. The Court will consider all of your evidence of a common marriage together. <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”I do not consider myself married to my partner, but I have listed them as my spouse when applying for benefits. Am I common law married because of this?” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The first requirement of common law marriage is an agreement to be married, so if you have not consented or agreed to be married then you are not common law married. However, if you have applied for benefits as married when you are not married, there are potential fraud issues and you should consult with an attorney. <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”I am 16 years old. Can I get common law married to my boyfriend?” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
No. Parties cannot be common law married if they are married to someone else, related by blood, or under the age of 18. <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”My spouse and I started our relationship in another state and then moved to Colorado. Can our common law marriage date back to when we lived outside of Colorado?” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||-15px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||-15px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
It depends on if the state you started your relationship in recognizes common law marriage. If a\u202fcommon-law\u202fmarriage is valid (legal) in the state in which it began, all states will recognize the marriage. Some states do not legally recognize (allow) for\u202fcommon-law\u202fmarriages so you cannot establish or start a common law marriage while living in one of these states. If you lived in another state when your\u202fcommon-law\u202fmarriage began, you will have to check with that state to see if it allows\u202fcommon-law\u202fmarriages to begin in that state. If it doesn’t, your common-law marriage could not begin until you move to a state that allows\u202fcommon-law\u202fmarriages.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”My spouse and I believe we are common law married, but we want to move out of state. Will our new state recognize a common law marriage? ” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Yes. If you have a valid common law marriage in Colorado, then other states must recognize you as married. <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”How do I end my common law marriage?” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
If a two people are common-law married, they are just as married as a couple who had a civil or religious ceremony with a marriage license. They have all the legal rights and duties of any married couple. To end the marriage, they need to file for divorce. The property and debts they acquired during the marriage are marital property, which the court would divide in a divorce proceeding.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”I filed for divorce, but my ex says we were never married. What happens next?” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
If there is a dispute about whether a common law marriage existed, the Court will hold a hearing. This will be an evidentiary hearing where you will be able to testify, call witnesses, and present evidence. It will be your job to prove to the Court that you were common law married. If the Court finds you were common law married, your case will go forward the same as any other divorce case. If the Court finds you were not common law married, your divorce case will be dismissed.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”My spouse died without a will and now their family is saying we were not common law married. What can I do?” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Common law spouses have the same inheritance rights as spouses married by marriage license. If there is a disagreement about a common law marriage which affects inheritance or probate issues, this will need to be addressed in probate court. It may be that the probate court holds an evidentiary hearing where you will be able to testify, call witnesses, and present evidence. It will be your job to prove to the Court that you were common law married. <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”I want to claim social security under my spouse\u2019s name, but we were common law married. What can I do?” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Social security is a federal program, but it recognizes common law marriages if the couple lives in a state which recognized common law marriage and the couple submits evidence of a common law marriage. Examples of evidence that the Social Security Administration may request can be found on their website here: https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/OP_Home\/cfr20\/404\/404-0726.htm<\/a> <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”My spouse and I are a same-sex couple and considered ourselves married before same sex marriage was legal in Colorado. Can our common law marriage begin before same sex marriage was legal in Colorado?” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Yes. Colorado case law holds that same sex couples can establish common law marriages that pre-date (or begin before) same sex marriage was legalized. LaFleur v. Pyfer<\/em> (In re the<\/em> Marriage of LaFleur<\/em>), 479 P.3d 869, 2021 CO 3 (Colo. 2021). <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”How is common law marriage established?” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Common law marriage is established through caselaw, not by statute. The most recent case law discussing common law marriage can be found here: Hogsett v. Neale (In re Marriage of Hogsett)<\/em>, 478 P.3d 713, 2021 CO 1 (Colo. 2021); Shtutman v. Dareuskaya (In re Estate of Yudkin)<\/em>, 478 P.3d 732, 2021 CO 2 (Colo. 2021); People v. Lucero<\/em>, 747 P.2d 660, 663 (Colo. 1987).<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"