One of the most common mistakes couples make is to assume that just because they didn’t have an official ceremony they cannot be legally married. The truth is it can be a lot easier to become husband and wife then most people think.
In Texas, you don’t have to be “officially” married or married in a ceremony to be considered “married.” A man and woman will likely be considered informally married if they meet three criteria: 1) they agree to be married; 2) they live in Texas as “husband and wife”; 3) they hold themselves out as married to others (for example, they file a Federal Income Tax return using “married” status). If a couple is found to have a common law marriage they must follow the same basic steps in order to receive a divorce.
Our firm can answer your various questions about common law marriage including:
- Does my significant other and I qualified as married under the common law?
- What are the consequences if I do have a common law marriage?
- What steps must I go through to end a common law marriage?
- Who will my children live with if my common law wife/husband and I get a divorce?
- Am i entitled to child support?
- Will I be forced to pay child support?
- If my spouse has custody, will i get to visit mychildren?
If you are concerned about the possibility of a common law marriage it’s important that you know and understand your legal rights. If you are concerned about a possible common law marriage, please contact our office so our experienced legal team can help.