What is a Putative Spouse? Legal Insights and Rights Explained

Definition & Meaning

A putative spouse is a person who believes they are legally married to their partner, even though a legal flaw prevents the marriage from being valid. This situation often arises when one partner is unaware of a prior marriage or other legal impediments. Despite the invalidity of the marriage, a putative spouse may have certain rights similar to those of a legal spouse, such as the right to alimony if the relationship ends.

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Legal Use & context

The term "putative spouse" is primarily used in family law. It applies in cases where individuals seek recognition of their relationship for legal purposes, such as property division or alimony after separation. Legal forms related to marriage and divorce may be applicable for individuals in this situation, and users can manage these processes with the help of templates provided by services like US Legal Forms.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: John and Lisa lived together for several years, believing they were married. However, John was still legally married to another person. When Lisa and John separated, Lisa could claim alimony as a putative spouse.

Example 2: (hypothetical example) Alex and Jamie entered into a marriage ceremony, unaware that Jamie's previous marriage had never been legally dissolved. After their separation, Alex could seek property rights as a putative spouse.

State-by-state differences

State	Putative Spouse Recognition
California	Recognizes putative spouse rights, allowing for property division and support.
Texas	Allows for claims of putative spouse status, but with specific requirements for proof.
Florida	Recognizes putative spouses, granting rights similar to those of legal spouses.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term	Definition	Key Differences
Common-law spouse	A partner recognized as married without a formal ceremony, based on cohabitation and mutual consent.	Common-law marriage may be legally valid, while putative spouse status arises from an invalid marriage.
Legal spouse	A partner legally married under state law.	Legal spouses have full rights and responsibilities, while putative spouses have limited rights due to the invalidity of their marriage.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe you are a putative spouse, consider the following steps:

Gather documentation of your relationship, including any marriage certificates or evidence of cohabitation.
Consult a legal professional to understand your rights and options based on your specific situation.
Explore US Legal Forms for templates that can help you navigate legal processes related to your status.

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Quick facts

Typical fees: Varies by state and legal representation.
Jurisdiction: Family law courts.
Possible penalties: Loss of rights if knowledge of invalidity is established.