There's simply no federal law effective Aug. 1, 2025, making couples automatically married after a certain period.

Choosing Common Law Marriage Some couples choose to forgo the legalities of marriage and opt for a common law relationship instead.

Visiting relationships do not count. Separated married partners do not qualify. And a legal declaration must be obtained from the court, that the spouse was in fact in a common-law relationship.

Visiting relationships do not count. Separated married partners do not qualify. And a legal declaration must be obtained from the court, that the spouse was in fact in a common-law relationship.

Edmond claims that the couple’s common-law relationship should enjoy the same recognition afforded under Obergefell v. Hodges, even though the couple broke up before that decision.

Legally, common law married couples must play by all the same rules as “regular” married couples. However, surprisingly, at least to me, they're actually not mainstream at all.

If you’re living with a partner but aren’t married, you may be in a common-law partnership — a relationship status that can significantly affect your finances, especially during tax season.