what is common law relationship

A common-law relationship, also known as a common-law marriage, is a legal marriage that is recognized without the couple having obtained a marriage license or participated in a formal marriage ceremony. It occurs when two people who are legally capable of being married, and who intend to be married, live together as a married couple and hold themselves out to the world as a married couple. Common-law marriage is not based on a specific duration of cohabitation, as is often mistakenly believed. The requirements for a common-law marriage typically include the couple being eligible to be married, cohabitating in a jurisdiction that recognizes common-law marriage, intending to be married, and holding themselves out in public as a married couple. It is important to note that common-law marriage laws vary by state or jurisdiction, and not all states recognize common-law marriage. In some cases, common-law partners may be eligible for various federal government spousal benefits. Ending a common-law marriage is similar to ending a formal marriage, and in some jurisdictions, couples may need to file for divorce if they decide to split up.