what is commonlaw relationship

A common-law relationship is a type of relationship where two people live together and present themselves as a married couple without actually getting married. The couple must be legally capable of being married and must intend to be married. They must also hold themselves out to the world as a married couple. Common-law marriage is a legally recognized marriage that takes effect without the prerequisites of a marriage license or participation in a marriage ceremony. It is important to note that the term "common-law marriage" is often used incorrectly to describe various types of couple relationships, such as cohabitation or other legally formalized relations. Although these interpersonal relationships are often called "common-law marriage," they differ from its original meaning in that they are not legally recognized as "marriages" but are a parallel interpersonal status such as a "domestic partnership," "registered partnership," "conjugal union," or "civil union". Fewer than a dozen states and the District of Columbia recognize common-law marriages. Once established, a common-law marriage is just as valid and binding as a formalized marriage and lasts until a court grants a divorce or one partner dies.