CLIENT PAGE
Common-Law Marriage in Texas
Debunking two typical myths.
By Rebecca Rowan
It seems the average Texan believes certain myths and misinformation
when it comes to common-law marriage in our state. To set the record
straight, this article debunks two of the most typical myths about
common-law marriage.
There Is No Magic
Length of Time to Become Common-Law Married
Despite the myth, seven or five or three years of living together does
not create a common-law marriage. No durational requirement establishes
a common-law marriage. Rather, to prove the existence of a common-law
marriage, both parties must:
(1) Agree that they are married;
(2) Live together as husband and wife; and
(3) “Hold out” to others that they are married (see Texas Family Code § 2.401(a)(2)).
All three conditions
must exist simultaneously to establish a valid common-law marriage.
Additionally, in the state of Texas, you must have the capacity to enter
into the marriage. This means both parties must be at least 18,
unrelated, and not currently married to someone else.
In deciding whether a common-law marriage exists, courts in Texas
review the facts on a case-by-case basis. It is not unusual to see a
flurry of summary judgment motions being filed when common-law marriage
is at issue.
Proving a common-law marriage depends on the factual circumstances of
each case. While the co-habitation requirement is straightforward,
establishing the other two requirements can be a challenge. To prove an
agreement of marriage, Texas caselaw states there must be evidence
establishing a present, immediate, and permanent intent between the
parties to have a marital relationship. An agreement to get married in
the future is insufficient to establish an agreement of marriage. As
such, if two people are engaged, then they cannot be common-law
married.
The requirement that each party must “hold out” to others as married
simply means the parties must represent to others that they are married.
Texas caselaw states that the purpose of this requirement is to ensure
that there is no “secret” common-law marriage. While spoken words alone
can fulfill this requirement, actions and conduct by each person are
also examined. For example, introducing each other as spouses, wearing
rings on ring fingers, or signing credit applications as a married
couple could separately qualify as “holding out” to others as married.
Filing joint tax returns, adding someone to the “family” country club
membership, and even the address on Christmas card envelopes can come
into play. Oftentimes, the evidence that supports the “holding out”
element also supports an agreement to be married.
There Is No “Common-Law Divorce”
Common-law marriage is not a loophole to avoiding divorce. Once a
common-law marriage is established, it is treated just the same as if it
were a ceremonial marriage. Thus, there is no “common-law divorce.” A
common-law marriage must be terminated with either a standard divorce
suit (or annulment) or by the death of one of the parties. A common-law
marriage does not magically dissipate if the parties physically
separate.
However, even when a couple satisfies all the requirements of a
common-law marriage, the parties may still not be permitted to file for
divorce. There is a rebuttable presumption that no marriage exists
unless a suit is commenced to prove the marriage before the second
anniversary of the parties’ separation. As such, do not delay in seeking
a divorce if separated from a common-law spouse.
Common-law marriage can be a tricky concept for some, and it is
certainly something to be aware of if living with a significant
other.TBJ
REBECCA ROWAN
is a shareholder in KoonsFuller in Dallas, where she specializes in
complex marital property cases, premarital and postmarital agreements,
and family law appeals. She is certified in family law by the Texas
Board of Legal Specialization.
