This is true, however there are 7 or 8 states that "recognize common law marriage," while the rest do not.
For states that do, if you meet their definition (living together for some period of time, telling others that you are married, etc.), then the state makes an assumption that you are married, and will treat you as such, even though you never wanted that contract with the state.
The states that do not recognize it just treat you as shacking up and not married. That's a better situation because the state won't drag its ugly self into the marriage.
This is true, however there are 7 or 8 states that "recognize common law marriage," while the rest do not.
For states that do, if you meet their definition (living together for some period of time, telling others that you are married, etc.), then the state makes an assumption that you are married, and will treat you as such, even though you never wanted that contract with the state.
The states that do not recognize it just treat you as shacking up and not married. That's a better situation because the state won't drag its ugly self into the marriage.
I'm in CA, no common law marriage here.
Correct.