How do we dissolve a common law or informal marriage in Texas?
Full Question:
Answer:
As you may know, one of the reasons you registered your informal marriage, was to have proof of it in the event of a separation.
In Texas, if the couple should split up and one of the individuals wishes to prove in a proceeding that the common-law marriage had occurred, she or he must start the determination process before the second anniversary of the date on which the couple separated and ceased living together. Otherwise, it is rebuttably presumed that the individuals did not agree to being married.
You do not need legal action to end such a relationship, if it was created in Texas.
Texas also recognizes as valid, common law marriages created in other states if the legal requirements of those states have been met. As a result, legal action is needed to dissolve legal “common law” marriages performed in other states and foreign countries in compliance with their licensing and ceremonial regulations.
