Legal Question in Family Law in California

Re: common law marriageHow many years

There is no Common Law Marriage in California, however California will recognize a legal Common Law marriage from another state.

You may call me for a free consultation at 818-342-8020 x1 if you live in the Southern California Area.

Re: common law marriageHow many years

The previous attorney who responded is right about common law marriage in California.

You may have heard about the term "palimony" in connection with an old divorce case between actor Lee Marvin and his live-in girlfriend Michelle Triola, in which the court recognized that under certain circumstances, men & women who live together without being married establish an unwritten "contract". When such a claim is made to the court, it's up to the person making the claim to prove the existence of the contract. As you might imagine, it's an expensive and complicated process, but if there's enough at stake, it may be worth it to pursue a "palimony" type claim.