Marriage Common Law?

Question

What is the Common Law Marriage here in Colorado?

My buddy in Denver is 40 years old living on Trust Fund of $30 Millions from his grandfather....He been with his girlfriend for almost 12 years, if he left her, does she have the right to collect everything or not...he has a lawyer and says that she cannot touch any of the money cause its his and family trust fund...

Answer 1

don't know about Colorado but here if you live together and represent yourselves as married ,, then the Law recognizes you as just that ,,,married

Answer 2

I don't think Colorado is a common law marriage state. So no she can't get the money. The lawyer would know all the ins and outs of the whole law there. Tell him not to worry. And really....does he want to find someone new? :-)

Answer 3

If your buddy has $30 million, I'm sure he can afford way better legal counsel than you'll get from a random question on the internet.

Is it possible you don't like this girlfriend much?? Or maybe you ARE the girlfriend and are a bit worried? If that's the case, see an attorney. If you have 12 years into this guy, you need to protect yourself.

Answer 4

Common law marriage rules do not differ sharply from state to state. I'm sure there are state specific issues but in every state simply co-habitating is not enough. In addition to living together they must agree that they are married and
represent themselves as a married couple to other people(i.e. they introduce themselves as husband and wife, they file joint tax returns, she uses his surname, etc.). This could also include insurance forms if the person is specifically described as a "spouse" and not just a girlfriend/boyfriend. If they've done this, it could be a bit dicey for him but most of this stuff is pretty hard to prove and amounts to nothing more than he said, she said unless they're filing joint returns or have something in writing.

Answer 5

The following are conditions of a common law marriage in Colorado:

Cohabitation - even for one day
Sexual intercourse
Holding yourselves out as married to third persons
Intent to be married at the present time


Colorado common law marriage does not exist at present if you intend to become married in a future wedding ceremony

Therefor, based on the facts presented, this situation, based ONLY on the facts you presented, does not fit the criteria for a common law marriage in Colorado.

Answer 6

He has a lawyer who is already advising him and you somehow think that the folks on Yahoo Answers will have better information?

That is the point of a trust fund: it is not "owned" by the individual, but by the family (even if he's the only survivor), thus cannot be considered as part of community property.

Answer 7

between the states that permit it (maximum do not), the regulations variety. some you ought to stay mutually and portray your self as married for many of years. In some, there is not any shrink, and in basic terms shifting in and having a social gathering the place you declare you 2 are married is sufficient. So except you 2 have been already residing mutually and portraying your self as a married couple, this is totally, very not likely to ensue with one in detention center for existence.

Answer 8

Check out this site. I found it for a friend who was going through something similar as your friend. Common Law is an interesting concept when the courts get involved.

http://www.colorado-family-law.com/colorado-common-law-marriage.htm

Answer 9

I sure it does depend on the state , might want to call a lawyer and ask.

Answer 10

You know I think it depends on the state...every state is different...get him to check with a local attorney around there...he can afford it...=)