Common Law Marriage

Even if romantic partners who cohabitate have never entered into a traditional marriage, Utah courts can recognize that a common law marriage exists between the parties based on a number of factors such as if the parties have held themselves out as married to the general public and if they have a general reputation in the community as being a married. 

Proving a common law marriage can be difficult and we have handled dozens of cases both establishing common law marriage and defending against claims of common law marriage.  Once a common law marriage is established, the parties are subject to all of the same rules and claims as those in a traditional marriage, which can obviously. have significant and sometimes life-long consequences for both parties. Let us ensure your common law marriage case is handled properly.