Have you been living in the same home with a significant other for an extended period of time? Does your relationship feel like a marriage, even though neither one of you wants the formality of a big ceremony? You may already be married under the law.
Cohabitation over extended periods may lead to what is sometimes called a sui iuris or a Common Law marriage. Some areas recognize any couple that has lived together for at least seven years as married, because their living arrangements have all the required parts of a marriage, even though no formal ceremony was preformed. Depending on the laws in your area, you may be entitled to many of the same legal rights as married couples, including tax benefits, the ability to share medical insurance, and community property rights.
If your jurisdiction recognizes common law marriages as legal unions, then you and your significant other can gain the benefits of marital status, even without a formal ceremony.
If you have questions regarding marriage contracts and common law marriages in the state of California, then come to our offices. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff can answer your questions and keep you informed of your marital rights.
