common-law marriage

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common-law marriage

A couple celebrates their anniversary in a common-law marriage.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A legally recognized marital union established by mutual agreement and cohabitation, without a formal ceremony or license: A common-law marriage is a type of marriage that is formed when two people agree to be married and live together as a married couple, presenting themselves as such to the public. Its legal recognition varies significantly by jurisdiction.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • In some states, a couple can enter into a common-law marriage by cohabiting for a certain number of years.
    • They considered themselves married under common law after living together for over a decade.
    • The court had to determine if a valid common-law marriage existed for inheritance purposes.
Advanced Usage

  • "to establish a common-law marriage": To fulfill the legal requirements (agreement, cohabitation, holding out) to create such a union.

    • The couple sought to establish a common-law marriage to secure legal rights.

  • "to be in a common-law marriage": To be a party to such a relationship.

    • They have been in a common-law marriage since 2010.
Variants and Related Words

  • Common-law spouse (n): A person who is in a common-law marriage.

    • She listed him as her common-law spouse on the insurance form.

  • Cohabitation (n): The state of living together, often a key element in forming a common-law marriage.

    • Their long-term cohabitation was evidence of their commitment.
Synonyms
  • De facto marriage: A marriage that exists in fact, though not formally solemnized (used in some legal systems).
  • Informal marriage: A general term for a marriage not created by a formal ceremony.
Related Phrases
  • "Hold oneself out as married": To present oneself to the community as being married, a key requirement for a common-law marriage.
    • They held themselves out as married by using the same last name.
Important Notes
  • The legal validity and requirements for a common-law marriage vary greatly by country, state, or province. It is not recognized in all jurisdictions.
  • It is distinct from simply living together (cohabitation), as it requires a mutual present agreement to be married.
common-law marriage

A couple celebrates their anniversary in a common-law marriage.

Noun
  1. a marriage relationship created by agreement and cohabitation rather than by ceremony