2006-06-25 18:39:22 · 3 answers · asked by fairannex 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Other - Family & Relationships
Depends on how long you have been together. Florida has not recognized Common-law marriage since 1968. So if you started living together AFTER that date you are NOT common-law married... you are JUST living together and have few, if any, legal rights as a wife. So, although you can change your name to any name you like, you cannot go by Mrs. Robert Jones. (example).
2006-06-25 18:42:42 · answer #1 · answered by Raynanne 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
By law you can use whatever name you like.
All you need to do is partition the court for a name change. (Not knowing the laws in the state of Florida but I am a resident of Florida) I would suspect this is you most sound legal way to go. In effect the Judge grants you a name change, I suspect you will have to pledge that you are not doing to hide from the law or for fraudulent purposes...
Even though Florida no longer recognizes common law marriages 9as stated by other answerers) you would be surprised that you actually might have certain rights..because a large part of the law looks at intent (our intent is to live together as man and wife); but better to be safe than sorry.
My advice is to change your name if you want (and you don't really need a lawyer). Every citizen has a right to file a petition (at the most a legal aid is what you need)...Then you should get sound legal advice (a good legal aid again) as to you rights or lack of rights.....(inheritance, health insurance, social security, etc).
Then you should decide if it would be advantage to actually marry
Sounds like wedding bells to me!
Best of luck!
2006-06-26 01:46:53 · answer #2 · answered by Master Quark 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Florida does not recognise common law marriages any longer(1968)
2006-06-26 01:45:00 · answer #3 · answered by Rockstar 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋