Are common law marriages legal?

In Indiana, common law marriages are not legally recognized. This means that two people living together without a valid marriage license will not be considered legally married in the eyes of the state. Indiana is one of only fifteen states that do not have any statutes recognizing common law marriages. Common law marriage is an informal type of marriage, which can exist solely by the actions of the two parties involved. In many states, common law marriages provide legal recognition for couples who have been living together, regardless of whether they have applied for or obtained a marriage license. For example, the couple may be able to share assets, file joint tax returns, and receive marital inheritance rights. In Indiana, common law marriage is not recognized by the state, even if the couple has lived together for a number of years and have a reputation as a married couple. Therefore, even if the couple has treated their relationship as a marriage, the state will not grant them the same legal rights as those granted to couples with a valid marriage license. Therefore, if a couple wishes to receive the legal benefits associated with marriage, they must obtain a valid marriage license.

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Are common law marriages legal?

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