Questions about common law marriage?

The legal status of your relationship can affect property rights, financial obligations, and your future. We can help you understand your rights and options.

You and your partner may not have formally married, but that does not necessarily mean you do not have legal rights and obligations under Colorado law.

If your relationship is ending, it is important to understand your legal status and how it may affect property division, financial obligations, and other family law matters.

Depending on a number of factors, you may be considered common law married, which can afford you many of the same rights and protections as married couples, including equitable division of property acquired during the relationship and, in some cases, maintenance.

Disputes regarding the validity of a common law marriage are resolved by the court, which considers a variety of factors, including shared financial accounts, estate planning documents, beneficiary designations, and how the couple represented their relationship to family, friends, and the public.

If the court determines that a common law marriage does not exist, additional legal issues may arise. For example, if real estate is jointly owned, a partition action may be necessary to determine each party's interest and ensure an equitable division of the property.

Our experienced family law attorneys can help you understand your rights, establish or challenge common law marriage status, and resolve related property disputes.

If you have questions about the legal status of your relationship, speak with one of our experienced family law attorneys.

Schedule a free, no-obligation 30-minute consultation today.