Common Law Marriage

What is Common Law Marriage?

A marriage recognized by statute or common law in which the parties have lived together as husband and wife for an extended number of years and consider themselves to be married, the law will recognize and enforce the obligations of the relationship. Common law marriages have been abolished in most but not all states.

Further Reading

For more detailed information, see our related Family Law terms:

• Void and Voidable marriages
• Curtesy
• Recrimination
• Annulment
• Tender Years Doctrine

Reviewed by

Stephanie Bagnall

Licensed Attorney and Legal Researcher

Stephanie Bagnall is a Georgia-licensed attorney and legal researcher with experience in accessibility law, compliance, employment law, and legal writing. She helps develop and review BarPrepHero's Legal Terms content for clarity, accuracy, and usefulness to bar exam students.

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