What is a common law divorce?

A common law divorce is a form of divorce that occurs in Texas, where a couple is still legally married but no longer living together. This type of divorce is also referred to as an informal or non-judicial divorce. It occurs when a couple chooses to cease cohabitating and live apart, without filing for an official divorce through a court. It is important to note that while they are no longer considered married, the couple does not have their marriage legally ended. Common law divorces are often seen in Texas due to the fact that Texas does not recognize common law marriages. This means that, in order to be married legally, a couple must have acquired a marriage license and taken part in a legal marriage ceremony. Without the marriage being legally recognized, the couple is unable to file for a traditional divorce. This type of divorce is often more appealing to couples who do not want the difficulty and formality of filing for a divorce through the court. The main disadvantage of a common law divorce is that, because the marriage is still technically valid, it can cause issues such as the division of property, child support, and alimony. These issues are typically handled through the courts in a traditional divorce, but must be addressed by the couple in a common law divorce.

Related FAQs

Are there any residency requirements for getting married?
Are there any special considerations when getting married abroad?
Are there any restrictions on marrying someone from another faith?
Are there any laws regarding step-parent adoption in my state?
What is the process for applying for a marriage certificate?
Are there any legal restrictions regarding who can marry whom?
What are the laws regarding gay marriage in my state?
How can I get a marriage license in my state?
Are there any legal requirements related to changing a name after marriage?
Are there any legal requirements for marrying someone from another country?

Related Blog Posts

Navigating Changes to Marriage Law: What You Need to Know - July 31, 2023
Resolving Disputes: Strategies for Effective Marriage Law Negotiations - August 7, 2023
Cohabitation Agreements: What Couples Need to Know About Marriage Laws - August 14, 2023
Common Pitfalls of Marriage Law: What You Should Avoid - August 21, 2023
Marriage Law in the 21st Century: What You Should Know - August 28, 2023