Insurance Problems in South Carolina

[mal1102]

What is the name of your state? SC

My partner and I have been togther for almost 11 yrs. We moved here from Texas where we signed forms for insurance purposes saying we were "common-law married" We have always portraid ourselves as husband and wife. We have been in South Carolina for 2 and 1/2 years. I recently went back to work to get insurance for myself, husband and our 9 yr old son. I am being told, first, that I cannot cover my husband under dependent coverage, and two, that they need my income tax returns to show my child is my dependent. We have always filed joint tax returns. I have never had this probnlem and just wonder what I need to do.

[LdiJ]

Originally Posted by mal1102

What is the name of your state? SC

My partner and I have been togther for almost 11 yrs. We moved here from Texas where we signed forms for insurance purposes saying we were "common-law married" We have always portraid ourselves as husband and wife. We have been in South Carolina for 2 and 1/2 years. I recently went back to work to get insurance for myself, husband and our 9 yr old son. I am being told, first, that I cannot cover my husband under dependent coverage, and two, that they need my income tax returns to show my child is my dependent. We have always filed joint tax returns. I have never had this probnlem and just wonder what I need to do.

Your joint tax returns ought to be sufficient proof of not only your "marriage", but the fact that your child is your dependent. They are absolute proof that your child is your dependent.

However there is one really simple solution regarding your husband...get married in a regular way, not just under common law.

[KParrish]

you need to just get them a faxed copy of your tax return.. that will solve the dependant issue.. i am also in SC, and have learned it is VERY strict on the law's concerning marriage/divorce.. just because you two consider yourself *common law* husband and wife, does not mean the state of SC does.. here is a link to some things concerning it..
[url]http://www.scbar.org/public/lawline.asp[/url]