Quick Guide to Common Law Marriage
Are Common Law Marriages (North Carolina) Legal?
North Carolina law on common marriage has never been recognized within the state, but there are some common law marriages that hold validity in the state.
Common law marriages (North Carolina) have never been recognized by the state because of Chapter 51-1 of the state’s statutes.
The statute states that a marriage is created with the consent of both parties in a lawful marriage and in the presences of one party listed below:
• In the presence of an ordained minister of any religious denomination or a magistrate
• With the consequent declaration by the minister or magistrate that the parties are husband and wife
• Federally or State recognized Indian Nation or Tribe
Other types of marriages are illegal overt than a common law marriage (North Carolina). Grounds for annulment include the following:
1. The marriage was between two people closer in relation than first cousins or double first cousins
2. Either spouse was under the age of 16 during the marriage (except in limited circumstances)
3. Either spouse had another husband or wife during the second marriage
4. Either spouse was physically impotent
5. Either spouse was mentally incompetent during the marriage
Valid Common Law Marriages (North Carolina)
Although there are few laws addressing a common-law marriage (North Carolina), a court may still consider the validity of the marriage upon two conditions:
The man and woman have signed power of attorney papers while in the relationship, and the marriage was contracted in a state and district that recognized such a union.
In order to validate the common law marriage (North Carolina), the court will consider several factors in certain cases like a divorce or separation proceeding.
The court will usually consider the following aspects for common law marriages (North Carolina):
• The two parties actually cohabitated in an out of state jurisdiction
• The of state jurisdiction had established common law marriage requirements
• The date of actually declaring the specific type of marriage can be established by the court
• If no common law marriage laws exist within the other jurisdiction, the court must determine if there were any power of attorney documents signed prior to the cohabitation
If two couples want the state to recognize their common law marriage (North Carolina) in an out-of-state jurisdiction, the two couples are usually advised to sign the power of attorney documents.
Two couples will normally establish a durable power of attorney and medical power of attorney with help of a qualified legal professional.
If couples in recognized common-law marriages (North Carolina) come to an agreement about the division of property in a future separation in an out of state jurisdiction, the state of NC may recognize such agreements.
If you are unsure the state will recognize the common law marriage (North Carolina), you should speak with an attorney to help determine if the case may be arguable in court.
Common Law Marriage in North Carolina: What You Need to Know
In today’s society, common law marriage is becoming a topic of interest for many individuals. The idea of two people living together for an extended period and being considered legally married without a formal ceremony or legal documents seems appealing to some. However, common law marriage laws can vary from state to state, and this article will focus on the status of common law marriage in North Carolina.
What is Common Law Marriage?
Common law marriage is a type of marriage recognized in some states, where the couple may be considered legally married without having a marriage license or formal ceremony. This type of marriage is usually created when a couple lives together for a specific period, is considered married in their community, and both parties possess the intent to be married legally.
In North Carolina, common law marriage was once recognized; however, the state abolished it in 1983. Meaning, there is no common law marriage in North Carolina, and the legal system does not recognize any couple living together for any period as a legally married couple.
There have been cases where couples living together for many years claim to have a common law marriage. However, North Carolina courts will not recognize this relationship unless the couple has proof of a legal marriage, such as marriage license, ceremony, or legal documentation.
What About Entering Into a Common Law Marriage from Another State?
If a couple enters into a common law marriage in another state where it is recognized and then moves to North Carolina, the state of North Carolina may recognize the marriage under certain circumstances.
For example, if the couple moved to North Carolina with the intent of living there indefinitely and intended to continue their common law marriage, the state could recognize it. However, courts might also examine the specific facts of the case, such as how long the couple has lived together, where they previously lived, and if they’ve held themselves out to be married, which could affect whether the marriage is recognized or not.
In the case of common law marriage, it can be challenging to determine what elements need to be met to establish that a couple has become legally married. This is why it is essential to consult with an attorney in North Carolina if you believe you are in a common law marriage or if you are moving to North Carolina after entering into a common law marriage in another state.
What Rights and Benefits are Available for Unmarried Couples in North Carolina?
Although North Carolina does not recognize common law marriage, unmarried couples still have rights under state law. Many people assume that they have the same rights as married couples if they have lived together for an extended period, but this is not typically the case.
For example, a couple living together in North Carolina may own their home or other property jointly; however, each party will retain their individual ownership rights under the law. This means that if one party dies, the other party may not automatically inherit their share of the property or any other assets. Rather, the property would pass on to the decedent’s heirs under state law.
Similarly, unmarried couples are not entitled to inherit from one another under North Carolina’s intestate succession laws. In contrast, a spouse would inherit a portion of the deceased spouse’s property if they died without a will.
Unmarried couples in North Carolina may execute a joint tenancy with the right of survivorship for property they own together. Still, this type of property ownership must be set up properly to provide the desired protections.
What Steps Can Unmarried Couples Take to Protect Themselves?
While North Carolina does not recognize common law marriage, unmarried couples can take several steps to safeguard their interests:
1. Execute a Will
A will is a legal document that outlines how a person’s estate will be distributed after death. Couples who are not legally married should invest in drafting wills to ensure their assets go to their intended beneficiaries.
2. Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes another individual to make decisions on a person’s behalf. By executing a durable power of attorney, each partner can appoint the other to handle financial and medical decisions for them under certain circumstances.
3. Living Together Agreement
Creating a living together agreement is an excellent option to protect yourself and your partner in a long-term partnership that feels like marriage. A living together agreement outlines how assets are divided in the relationship, how expenses are split, and what will happen if the relationship ends.
4. Health Insurance
If an unmarried couple has access to health insurance offered through an employer, some plans may allow partners to be added to the policy. Verify with your insurance provider whether this option is available.
5. Advanced Medical Directive
An advanced medical directive is a legal document that outlines a person’s wishes for medical treatment if they become incapacitated. It can also appoint someone, such as an unmarried domestic partner, to make medical decisions on their behalf.
Final Thoughts
Common law marriage may seem appealing to some people. However, in North Carolina, it is not recognized. It is important to understand that even if a couple lives together for an extended period or considers themselves married, without legal documentation or a formal ceremony, they are not recognized as legally married in North Carolina courts.
Unmarried domestic partnerships have certain legal rights, such as owning property jointly or creating a durable power of attorney, but they do not have the same legal protections or benefits as married couples. Couples living together can take steps to protect their interests and create a plan that works best for them.
It is always wise to consult with a qualified attorney if you are unclear about your legal rights or feel that you need legal guidance. With the continually changing legal landscape, obtaining accurate, up-to-date information is critical to protect your rights and interests.