| There is a difference between common law | | | | partner, in general, must agree either in writing or |
| marriage and cohabitation. In some cases if you | | | | orally to enter into a husband/wife relationship, |
| are a cohabitant, you could be considered single | | | | hold yourselves out as husband and wife and |
| and in some cases if you are common law | | | | acquire a reputation as a married couple. The |
| married you are considered married as if you did | | | | length of time you've cohabitated may play a role |
| it the traditional way.The difference between | | | | in the determination of common law marriage. |
| cohabitation and common law marriage is critical. If | | | | Common law marriages typically are limited to |
| you are a cohabitant, you may be legally | | | | heterosexual couples. |
| considered single; if you are common law married, | | | | If you and your partner live in any of the states |
| you are legally considered married to the same | | | | that recognize common law marriages and do not |
| degree as if you had a ceremony. So, how do | | | | want the state to consider you as married, you |
| you know if you are married in the eyes of the | | | | may wish to consult with a lawyer and create a |
| law? Common law marriages are recognized in | | | | document that would establish your relationship as |
| only certain states, including the District of | | | | unmarried cohabitants.Jeffrey Broobin is a |
| Columbia, Alabama, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, | | | | free-lance writer on family and finance issues; his |
| Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, | | | | main goal is to help people during their complicated |
| South Carolina, Texas and Utah.In order to qualify | | | | period of life. |
| for a common law marriage, you and your | | | | |