My girlfriend and I are very much in love. We’ve been together for many years and have been living together for over two years. We are planning on getting married once things financially calm down for us within the next year. We just bought our first house together and recovering from getting that mortgage has put some strains on our pocket books and we both know that despite the fact that we’re ready and willing, marriage isn’t the best path for the next little while. As I said, we own a house together, have three pets, can’t wait to raise a family and am more in love with each other every day. When are we considered a legally married couple under common law? I’m getting tired of calling her my girlfriend. It sounds like we’re in high school still.
2007-02-26 02:12:48 · 11 answers · asked by no name brand canned beans 6 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Polls & Surveys
I believe it depends on what state you're living in. When I lived in Pennsylvania, it was 7 years. At least, that's what I was told. My girlfriend and I lived together for 6-1/2 years before we split up and I was fortunate that we didn't have to deal with the common law BS. I don't know what it is in Iowa, where I'm living now, but I believe it is 6 years.
Also, just because you're not legally married doesn't mean you have to continue calling her your girlfriend. Call her whatever you want. Sounds like she's the one for you, so I think calling her your fiance', future wife, or even lover is fine. Okay, just kidding on the last one. But, it sounds like the two of you are off to a great start, and I hope everything works out for you in the end. To find the one that "gets you" and makes your heart stop, is truly a miracle. Here's hoping that your miracle never ends.
2007-02-26 02:24:15 · answer #1 · answered by tiedyedhawk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well it certainly sounds like common law marriage to me, it depends on your state, I know here in Texas its six months. But if you are already living together and purchased a home together, you might as well start calling her your wife. I understand you two don't have the money for the type of wedding you want to have but have you thought about going to the court house and doing it legally?..and throw the type of wedding you desire when you have the money to do so. Congratulation and good luck!
2007-02-26 02:22:28 · answer #2 · answered by SJama 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been with my boyfriend for 6 years, lived with him for 3 and have a baby. we are buying our house too and want to get married, but the same financial strain hasn't let us save up enough for the big wedding we want. since it's already been so long our families send us cards to "the family", relatives ask me, so how's your husband doing, and if i'm talking about my boyfriend i almost always say "my husband..." it's easier than saying boyfriend and most people don't care the difference... i'd say u can start saying your married already or at least refer to each other as husband and wife- only your family will know your not and they most likely won't say anything to you...
legally considered though depending on your state says you have to live together for at least 6 years (in UT 7 yrs) with no more than 3 months not together in any given 12 month period.
2007-02-26 02:23:45 · answer #3 · answered by lynn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know you both think of yourselves as married to one another, and really that is all that matters. Go ahead and tell everyone she is your wife. But, I did find out some info on Common Law marriages:
The essential distinctions of a common law marriage are:
1. Common law marriages are not licensed by government authorities.
2. Common law marriages are not necessarily solemnized.
3. There is no public record of a common law marriage (i.e., no marriage certificate).
4. Cohabitation alone does not amount to common law marriage; the couple in question must hold themselves out to the world to be husband and wife.
5. In some jurisdictions, a couple must have cohabited and held themselves out to the world as husband and wife for a minimum length of time for the marriage to be recognised as valid.
2007-02-26 02:19:18 · answer #4 · answered by Red 76 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is a legal matter worth looking into, because in this state, New Mexico, common law marriage is not recognized. I've seen many elderly women who do not receive social security benefits from their deceased partners because they were not married....very sad situations for these people.
2007-02-26 02:17:31 · answer #5 · answered by Brown eyed girl 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure what it would be in your state, And I live in MS. and I really don,t know what it is here either. But, as long as you two have been together I would call you married already. But, best wishes to both of you!!!
2007-02-26 02:19:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that you are legally married when the person says (whether the person is Elvis, a Priest, a Judge, or your best friend) "you may kiss the bride." What if you called her your fiancee? It's more serious then just girlfriend.
2007-02-26 02:19:20 · answer #7 · answered by TipTip!! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It certainly is a common law marriage and therefor have certain legal rights but why not just do it already if that's what you seem to want.
2007-02-26 02:19:47 · answer #8 · answered by slayton59 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no such thing as common law marriage anymore. You are not considered until you are married. Go to the local courthouse and get married most of them do free weddings.
2007-02-26 02:17:55 · answer #9 · answered by jacemo 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
dude, have a cheap marriage. That's how my friends did it, they got married in back yard with expense of $500. Now, they are husband and wife
2007-02-26 02:15:57 · answer #10 · answered by goodlooking 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋