Common Law in Texas?

[ellaine]

What is the name of your state? Texas
I have a friend that has been living with a woman for 2 years and has 2 children with her. They were supposed to get married and he has decided not to. Could their relationship be considered common law in texas? He isn't aware of any mail that has come in Mr. and Mrs. so would she have a case to prove they are married already?

 

[Ramoth]

SOmeone else will chime in with whether or not Texas recognizes Common Law marriages, but the usual time is 7 years.

 

[ellaine]

thanks, wasn't sure since they have lived together and have kids.

 

[VeronicaGia]

Typically in common law cases, each would have to hold the other out publicly as husband and wife, file taxes jointly as husband and wife and one other thing I cannot think of right now. So, if none of this has happend, they are no more than boyfriend and girlfriend.

 

[OnlyOneVoice]

There are only 11 states that still recognize common law marriages.

Texas is one such state but just co-habitation is not sufficient to establish a common law marriage in the state of Texas.