Question..? If you are in a common law marriage is there a divorce proceeding?

[LakeArenal]

Is it the same as licensed divorce?

[walkingman]

1. Depends on State.....

Ending a common law marriage in Texas is similar to ending a formal marriage. If a common law couple decides to split up, they must file for divorce. More details at link...

https://familytexas.com/divorce-for-common-law-marriage/

[James48]

2. It depends.

Different states have different common law marriage rules.

In many states there is no such thing as common law couples. You need to talk to a lawyer where you are.

The only US states that recognize common law marriage:,

Where is common-law marriage allowed? Here are the places that recognize common-law marriage: Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, New Hampshire (for inheritance purposes only), Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and the District of Columbia.

[hlthe2b]

3. I can only speak to Colorado, but yes.

In other words, in Colorado, a common law marriage is exactly the same as a ceremonial marriage and the only way to have it terminated is through a divorce.

[Bev54]

4. Not sure about US but in Canada, no there is no divorce but assets are split as if it

was a marriage. Could be a trial if the persons cannot agree.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

5. First of all you need to check the laws of your state to find out if you really

are in a common-law marriage. Most states don't recognize them and haven't for decades now.

If you legally are in one and want to end it, consult an attorney, just as you would if you wanted a divorce from a regular marriage.

[Hekate]

6. Better seek out an actual lawyer for info about your own state. If nothing else the couple needs to

… divide joint assets in a way that won’t come back to bite them in the ass-et.