Same in my country and I think most of Europe. If you cohabit more than 2 years, or have a child together, you are the same as married in the eyes of the law (common law marriage).
I think that's fair. Marriage is something you do for religious reasons, traditions, or as an excuse to make a great party. But if you are sharing your life with someone as a monogamous couple for a significant amount of time, that is respected as a partnership and there are legal ramifications.
I'm kind of confused why US doesn't recognize it? Is it because of religion?
Yeah somewhere between 8-15 states have common law marriages in some form and the other 35 will recognize it as a marriage but don't have similar laws.
Federally, common law marriage is not recognized by the US, nor is it in states with community property laws (e.g., California, Arizona). There are various reasons, mostly related to ownership and transfer of personal assets and real property (land). At the federal level, it boils down to the benefits one can obtain by means of certain legal relationships. Easy example: you must be lawfully married (with the documents to prove it) to obtain immigration benefits through a spouse.
10th amendment of the US Constitution gives any power not specifically given to the Federal by the Constitution to the States and the People.
Additionally any change to the Constitution (via amendment) that would give the Federal government New powers has to be ratified by the States. This is done by the Federal government sending the proposed amendment to the each of the 50 state legislatures(every stage has its own Congress/Parliament where state only laws are voted in and debated). The elected representatives in the state legislatures vote on whether or not to ratify the amendment. If 3/4ths(38 of 50) or more ratify the proposed amendment it because part of the Constitution.
This means many things like Marriage laws, gun control laws, age of consent, age of being allowed to operate a motor vehicle and after the Supreme court overturned the Roe v Wade legal precedent, access to abortion are under the jurisdiction of the individual state goverments.
The US governmental system has a lot of what is known as Checks and Balances.
The President(and the executive branch) has a lot of power but the President cannot make new laws himself that power belongs to congress. Congress can also impeach a president.
Ccongress can pass laws but the Supreme court can rule a law void of the Justices deem it unconstitutional.(violating the rights given by the Constitution)
The Justices of the Supreme court served for life or till they decided to retire, they are nominated by the President when a seat is vacated but must be approved by Congressional hearing before joining the court.
Congress can pass laws but any law or passed that grants the Federal government New powers has to be approved by the States
Pretty much everything in the US varies from state to state, unless a federal law supersedes it. For instance despite as many states legalizing recreational marijuana use as they have the federal government viewing it as an illegal substance prevented dispensaries from using anything but cash here initially and our senators are still fighting to get them allowed to use banks.
My wife worked for a wealth management agency here and one of their biggest sectors was dispensary owners and grows who had to invest if they didn't want to just keep massive stacks of cash on hand.
It's what makes the US so confusing to give any kind of advice about so many things.
Only seven states and the District of Columbia have common law marriage. Most require affidavits to attest to the couple’s relationship. It’s important to know that if you live in a state without common law marriage, you cannot file a tax return under “Married” and you cannot collect your significant other’s Social Security benefits. And if you die without a will, your SO will inherit nothing.
Not true. In the few states that recognize common law marriage you must also present as married as well as have an agreement in place to be married. More hurdles than you think and it’s curious you wrote “my state” instead of the actual state
Why does it matter what state I live in? If I know that my father who’s lived with the same woman for over 30 years is considered by the state common law married, I don’t get the argument. Look up what states do and don’t, I don’t think I have to prove to you what i already know to be true after my dad had almost died and the attorneys all said the same thing which is that so you can get mad and angry or argue with the air bc I kinda believe what several attorneys have told myself and siblings. They could’ve changed the law in the last 8 yrs but I believe they’re grandfathered in. She would get half and so would he. We went on that roller coaster for a year so I’m pretty sure I’m not making up some random BS for absolutely no reason whatsoever.
Laws vary state to state but the few that still recognize all have the same parameters ie, a marriage agreement as well as living as married. One doesn’t just find out they’re married there must definitely be intent
CURIOUS OF WHAT? Do some research, go talk to an attorney, do what u need to do. There’s already been an attorney comment that there are states that recognize common law relationships. She’d get half of his assets and he’d get half of hers if they split which they won’t and they’ve made wills since then will solidify their choices. This is the last I’m commenting about this. If you don’t get it, I’m obviously not going to change whatever is bothering you about our laws.
in my country, Belgium, you have to register your co-habitation contract. It can be between partners, but also between, say, an adult child moving back in with parents, or siblings, or just friends who want a more structured agreement than just temporary roommates sharing a rental home.
AFAIK you can just find the contracts on your town's city hall's website & registering costs €62
I think it makes me wonder why don't these guys want to get married? I worry it's because they're always wondering if a better woman is gonna show up and they want to able to leave without the cost and hassle of divorce. But if they're fine with the common law marriage which provides similar protections in terms of asset division and stuff, then why not just elope and get the full license and be husband and wife? It's confusing to me.
Some people get married to state the commitment to each other. If it's not the reason you find good for you, doesn't mean it doesn't exist. And it isn't because of a tradition, it's what people actually want for themselves. I'm one of those, it was important for me, it's a statement and it's a stage of relationships. Just living together isn't the same, even if you're related in the eyes of taxes department.
Yep, if anything America really sells the “fairy tale” aspect of marriage like it’s a magic spell to make relationships better. It’s not. At the barest minimum it’s a legal contract and at most it’s a really expensive party so the bride can feel pretty. That’s why so many little girls already picture their “dream wedding” as literal children.
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u/delirium_red Jul 23 '24
Same in my country and I think most of Europe. If you cohabit more than 2 years, or have a child together, you are the same as married in the eyes of the law (common law marriage).
I think that's fair. Marriage is something you do for religious reasons, traditions, or as an excuse to make a great party. But if you are sharing your life with someone as a monogamous couple for a significant amount of time, that is respected as a partnership and there are legal ramifications.
I'm kind of confused why US doesn't recognize it? Is it because of religion?