The Dangers of a Common Law Marriage
There are many dangers associated with common law marriage, especially for women. First and foremost, a woman in a common law marriage has very little legal protection if her husband decides to leave her. He can walk away without any financial responsibility for her or the children. Secondly, a woman in a common law marriage has no legal claim to her husband's property or assets, even if she helped him acquire them during the marriage.
Finally, because the government does not recognize common law marriages, a woman in a common law marriage is not entitled to any of the same government benefits that a legally married woman would be entitled to (such as Social Security or survivor's benefits). In short, a woman in a common law marriage is at a significant disadvantage legally and financially if her husband decides to end the relationship.
How to Get the Same Rights as Married People with a Common Law Marriage
If you want the same rights as a married person, you can enter a common law marriage. This type of marriage is not recognized in all states, but it does offer some legal protections.
A common law marriage is when a couple lives together for a certain period and holds themselves out as husband and wife. There is no official ceremony or license required. The couple needs to agree to be married and cohabitate.
The time required to establish a common law marriage varies by state, but it is usually around seven years. Some states have shorter or longer periods.
Once you have a common law marriage, you have the same rights and responsibilities as any other married couple in that state. This includes the right to file taxes jointly, share health insurance benefits, and inherit from each other
Common law marriages can be dissolved in the same way as traditional marriages, through divorce or death. However, dissolving a common law marriage can be more complicated because there is no official marriage record. It is essential to consult with an attorney in your state to determine the best way to proceed.
Property Rights and Insurance
There are a few things to consider regarding property rights and insurance if you're in a common law marriage. First, if you own property together, you'll need to determine how it will be titled. Second, you'll need to decide how you'll handle insurance - will you each get your policy, or will you have a joint policy? Third, if you have children together, you'll need to ensure they're correctly taken care of in the event of your death.
These are just a few things to consider regarding property rights and insurance in a common law marriage. Make sure to consult with an attorney or financial advisor to get the best advice for your situation.