Legal Question in Family Law in Arizona

Common Law Marriage in Arizona

Does Arizona recognize common law marriages? What constitutes a common law marriage? If you have lived with another person for seven years are you legally married to them and is it necessary to get a divorce when the relationship breaks up?


Asked on 8/28/00, 6:06 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Debra Palomino PALOMINO LAW FIRM, P.C.

Re: Common Law Marriage in Arizona

No, Arizona does not recognize common law marriages. Further, I believe the "7 year" period you refer to comes from a California case, Marvin v. Marvin, which involved a couple who had resided together for 7 yrs. I cannot speak on all states, but Arizona and Texas. Texas has certain requirements necessary to establish a common law marriage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, you may still have property issues to deal with when splitting.

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Answered on 10/06/00, 3:48 am


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