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.

Noun

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