Full question:
Is there a de facto/common law marriage law for California between 1998-2003? If so, what is the definition of common law marriage for California residents living in Los Angeles county at that time? I am a native born US citizen now residing in New Zealand since 2003. Prior to that, my home was in CA. Thank you for answering my question on definition of common law marriage in California for the time period mentioned (1998-2003).
- Category: Marriage
- Subcategory: Common Law Marriage
- Date:
- State: California
Answer:
Common law marriage allows persons who live together as man and wife for a significant time and with the intent of having an exclusive relationship akin to a marriage to have the legal rights of formally married persons, including rights related to insurance and other benefits, property distribution on dissolution of the marriage, and distribution of property upon the death of one spouse. For a common law marriage to achieve validity as a marriage, the couple generally must agree to enter into a martial arrangement, must cohabit with one another, and must hold themselves out as husband and wife to others. California does not recognize common law marriages. The California Family Code states that California abolished common law marriage in 1895.
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