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Maryland does not allow common law marriage to be formed in-state but recognizes valid common law marriages from other states. Md. Code, Family Law § 2-401 requires a license.
Maine has never recognized common law marriage. 19-A M.R.S. sec. 651 requires a license and solemnization. Learn what Maine does and does not recognize, and what rights cohabiting couples have.
Michigan abolished common law marriage effective January 1, 1957 (MCL 551.2). Pre-1957 CLMs remain valid. Michigan recognizes valid out-of-state common law marriages.
Louisiana has never recognized common law marriage. La. Civ. Code arts. 86-87 require a formal ceremony. Learn what Louisiana recognizes and why it has never allowed informal marriage.
Iowa recognizes common law marriage. Requirements under In re Marriage of Winegard (Iowa 1979): present intent, continuous cohabitation, and public holding out as spouses. No minimum years required.
Illinois abolished common law marriage after June 30, 1905, under 750 ILCS 5/214. Illinois recognizes valid out-of-state common law marriages via comity.
Florida abolished common law marriage after January 1, 1968, under Fla. Stat. 741.211. Common law marriages formed before that date remain valid. Florida recognizes valid common law marriages from other states.
Hawaii has never recognized common law marriage formation. H.R.S. § 572-1 requires a license and ceremony. Hawaii does recognize valid common law marriages formed in states that permit them.
Indiana abolished common law marriage after Jan 1, 1958 under IC 31-11-8-5. Pre-1958 CLMs remain valid. Indiana recognizes valid common law marriages from other states.
Idaho abolished common law marriage on January 1, 1996. Marriages formed before that date remain valid. Idaho recognizes valid out-of-state common law marriages.
Georgia abolished new common law marriages on Jan 1, 1997 under OCGA 19-3-1.1. Couples who formed a CLM before that date remain legally married. Georgia recognizes valid CLMs from other states.
Delaware has never recognized common law marriage formation in-state. Under 13 Del. C. 101, a license and solemnization are required. Delaware does recognize valid common law marriages formed in other states under 13 Del. C. 126.