california common law marriages?

Question

Even after reading all that was presented, I am still not sure of the answer. My step-dad has been living with a woman for close to 4 years in California.... since not too long after my mother died. My step-dad and my mom were married for well over 20 years. We are very close, but I have several worries about him and the woman he is with now...... and I wonder if she is trying to gain something monetarily through common law marriage or whatever...... she is from out of the country, but just got her U.S. citizenship......
Does anyone know about what rights she could try to claim?
Appreciate any knowledge here.....
This whole situation makes me sick.....

Answer 1

The only states where a Common Law marriage can be established are:
* Alabama
* Colorado
* District of Columbia
* Iowa
* Kansas
* Montana
* Oklahoma
* Rhode Island
* South Carolina
* Texas
* Utah

Answer 2

States Permitting Common Law Marriage
Alabama
Colorado
District of Columbia
Iowa
Kansas
Montana
Oklahoma
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Texas
Utah
States Permitting Certain Common Law Marriages
Georgia (if the elements were satisfied before January 1, 1997)
Idaho (if the elements were satisfied before January 1, 1996)
New Hampshire (for inheritance only)
Ohio (if the elements were satisfied before October 10, 1991)
Pennsylvania (if the elements were satisfied before January 1, 2005)
In states which don't allow common law marriage, an unusual situation can arise - a couple which underwent what they thought was a valid, state-authorized marriage can find that their marriage was invalid. For example, a divorce may not be properly finalized before a subsequent marriage occurs, rendering that later marriage invalid. Usually, once the problem has been remedied, states will provide a remedy to correct the invalid marriage. For example, some states permit a secret wedding ceremony to be performed by a judge, with a backdated order of marriage, such that the marriage becomes valid from its inception and the rights of the spouses are protected.

Answer 3

The only way a common law marriage is recognized in Ca is if the couple came from another state that allows common law. Otherwise there is no common law marriages at this time.

I would talk to your Dad about this woman, perhaps he is too close to the situation to see things logical as perhaps you do.

Sometimes we can be very concerned but have to let it go. You can't change it.

Best of luck to you and your family, It is real tough. I was in a similar situation with my Dad, who recently passed away.

Answer 4

most states if you

act as your married
have rings
have joint bank accounts
file taxes together
share heath and life insurance
have cars and houses together on the same name
use the mans last name
co-sign loans and contracts together


then your married, If one person only does this and the other doesnt your not common law.

Answer 5

there is no comman law marriage in cali