3 ms·

Only 9 states still have common-law marriage, most that have historically recognized it have since thankfully abolished it. Of course if you have kids, you sti

• beagle3 13y ago
  It all depends on the circumstances. In the country I now reside in, there is little difference between common law marriage, "official" marriage, and civil union - if you have no kids, and divorce/separate within 7-8 years, then each partner gets what they brought in (and any substantially "joint" income during the same time, e.g. appreciation of an apartment, unless otherwise agreed upon in advance, is split 50/50) . If you are married and/or crossed to the 15-20 year area unmarried, then any income generated during the "united" period (including retirement accounts, pension funds, etc) is assumed 50/50, but anything before (and inheritances) go back to whoever brought them in. Prenups, of course, take precedence although some have been nullified by courts as being unreasonable (mostly in cases where the prenups says in the event of a divorce wife gets little/nothing, but then separation comes e.g. after 20 years of marriage/union and giving up a career to raise 4 kids with husband's approval and support).