Common law marriage is recognized in a few states in the US. The following states allow common law marriage:
- Alabama (if the marriage began before Jan. 1, 2017)
- Colorado
- District of Columbia
- Georgia (if the relationship began prior to 1/1/97)
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania (if it was entered before 9/2003)
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Utah
Each state has its own specific rules for recognizing common law marriages. For example, in Colorado, couples must demonstrate their intent to be married and live together openly as a married couple. In Iowa, couples must intend to be married, have the capacity to enter into a marriage, and have publicly represented themselves as a married couple.
It is important to note that some states used to allow common law marriages and still recognize them as valid, but they have since changed their laws. For example, Ohio and Pennsylvania no longer allow common law marriage, but they still recognize them if the relationship began before a certain date. Additionally, all 50 states must recognize common law marriage validly created in other states that allow them.
