Those types of laws are set by the States, not the federal government. Most states do not recognize common law marriages. The few that do, it has more to do with presenting yourself as married then a specific time limit. This is why people in Utah can be prosecuted for polygamy even though they do not all get marriage licenses. Simply presenting yourself as married in Utah constitutes a legal marriage. But as I said this is the exception in the US, not the rule. What you are describing is a Hollywood myth. There is a link I am posting with very basic info, but there is a lot more available if you care to look.
How do you feel about the supreme courts ruling regarding gay marriage
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They do that in the U.S. anyway if you live together for 7+ years.
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VinnyB
8 years ago
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Ellenna
8 years ago
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Those types of laws are set by the States, not the federal government. Most states do not recognize common law marriages. The few that do, it has more to do with presenting yourself as married then a specific time limit. This is why people in Utah can be prosecuted for polygamy even though they do not all get marriage licenses. Simply presenting yourself as married in Utah constitutes a legal marriage. But as I said this is the exception in the US, not the rule. What you are describing is a Hollywood myth. There is a link I am posting with very basic info, but there is a lot more available if you care to look.
http://www.unmarried.org/common-law-marriage-fact-sheet/
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anti-hero
8 years ago
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Sorry, you're right. But that's the way it is where I live. Didn't realize it varied.
That's not civil union, that's de facto or common law marriage
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dinz
8 years ago
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anti-hero
8 years ago
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You have a time specifying what is considered a de facto relationship in your jurisdiction?
Over here, as long as both parties are over 18 and living together in the "nature" of a marriage it is considered to be in a de facto relationship.
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Ellenna
8 years ago
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I'm fairly sure it's two years, after which the relationship comes under the federal Family Law Act for child custody, division of property etc.
I didn't say it was...
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Ellenna
8 years ago
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Oh ok, sorry, you were responding to first part of previous post and not the second part? My mistake
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anti-hero
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Yep. No problem.