About

CommonLawByState is a free, static reference that explains, state by state, whether common law marriage is recognized, what the grandfather cut-off dates are, and how out-of-state marriages are treated. We built it to cut through the seven-year myth and the confusion people hit when they move between states.

The legal summaries are reviewed by a family law attorney (J. Smith, Esq.) for accuracy of the general principles and the cited statutes. This is reference information, not a law firm, and not legal advice.

Data on this site was verified in June 2026 against multiple legal sources. Statutes and court rules change; always confirm with a licensed attorney in the relevant state.