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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.
Colorado recognizes common law marriage. The 2021 Hogsett test requires mutual intent to be married plus conduct manifesting that intent. No minimum years required. Both parties must be 18+ (C.R.S. § 14-2-109.5).
Connecticut has never recognized common law marriage formation. Learn what Connecticut courts held in McAnerney v. McAnerney, how out-of-state CLMs are treated, and the 7-year myth.
Alaska does not allow common law marriages to be formed within the state. AS 25.05.011 requires a license; AS 25.05.061 requires solemnization. Learn the rules for 2026.
Common law marriage is recognized in only about 9 states and DC. Learn which states allow it, which abolished it, the 7-year myth debunked, and how proof works.
Arkansas does not recognize common law marriage formed in-state; Ark. Code 9-11-107 and Fryar v. Roberts (2001) require a license. Arkansas recognizes valid out-of-state common law marriages.
California has not recognized common law marriage formation since 1895. Learn what Cal. Fam. Code §§ 300 and 308 say, how out-of-state common-law marriages are treated, and how to prove one in CA.
Arizona does not recognize common law marriage formed in-state; A.R.S. 25-111 requires a license and ceremony. Arizona does recognize valid common law marriages from other states.
Alabama abolished new common law marriages on January 1, 2017, under Ala. Code 30-1-20. Pre-2017 CLMs remain valid. Learn the rules, requirements, and how to prove one.
Washington has no stand-your-ground statute, but State v. Studd and State v. Redmond hold there is no duty to retreat when assaulted in a place you have a right to be. RCW 9A.16.050 covers the home.