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Oklahoma recognizes common law marriage. Learn the three requirements under Standefer v. Standefer (2001 OK 37), how to prove one, why the 7-year rule is a myth, and how it ends.
Pennsylvania abolished common law marriage effective January 1, 2005, under 23 Pa.C.S. section 1103. Pre-2005 CLMs remain valid. Learn requirements, how to prove one, and out-of-state recognition.
New York abolished common law marriage formation on April 29, 1933, under Dom. Rel. Law Section 11. New York recognizes valid common law marriages from other states. Learn the rules.
New Hampshire does not recognize common law marriage for living couples. RSA 457:39 allows posthumous inheritance recognition only after 3 years of cohabitation before death.
Nevada abolished common law marriage on March 29, 1943, under NRS 122.010. Learn what that means for pre-1943 marriages and out-of-state common law marriages recognized in Nevada.
New Mexico has never recognized common-law marriage. NMSA 40-1-1 requires a license and ceremony. NM recognizes valid out-of-state CLMs under comity per Matter of Lambs Estate and Rivera v Rivera.
Nebraska has not recognized new common law marriages since 1923 (Neb. Rev. Stat. 42-104). Learn what that means, the 7-year myth, and how Nebraska treats valid out-of-state CLMs.
Missouri does not recognize common law marriage. RSMo 451.040 has declared common-law marriages null and void since 1921. Missouri does recognize valid out-of-state common law marriages.
New Jersey abolished common-law marriage on December 1, 1939 (N.J.S.A. 37:1-10). No new CLM can form in NJ, but pre-1939 CLMs remain valid and NJ recognizes valid out-of-state CLMs.
Montana recognizes common law marriage under MCA 40-1-403. Learn the 3 requirements (capacity, mutual agreement, public repute), debunk the 7-year myth, and how it ends.
Mississippi abolished common law marriage in 1956 under Miss. Code 93-1-15. CLMs formed before April 5, 1956 remain valid. Mississippi recognizes valid out-of-state common law marriages.
Massachusetts abolished common law marriage in 1977. No new CLM can be formed in-state; pre-July 12, 1977 unions remain valid. Massachusetts recognizes valid out-of-state CLMs.