So You Think You're Married in Pennsylvania, But Nobody Threw Rice? Deciphering the Mystery of Common Law Marriage
Living together, sharing a dog (or three), and arguing over who left the toilet seat up - sounds like a marriage, right? Well, in the case of Pennsylvania and common law marriage, things get a little...well, weird. Here's the thing: Pennsylvania abolished common law marriage in 2005. But fear not, lovebirds who shackled up before that date! If you can prove your commitment was the real deal, you might still be considered married in the eyes of the law.
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| How To Prove Common Law Marriage In Pennsylvania |
Proving Your Love Was More Than Just Netflix and Chill: The "We Said What?" Clause
Here's the kicker: unlike other states with common law marriage, Pennsylvania requires a specific exchange of words to solidify the whole "husband and wife" thing. We're talking a clear, present-tense vow, like "I take you as my spouse" or "We are married now." Forget whispering sweet nothings or grand romantic gestures - in Pennsylvania, it was all about being verbally blunt.
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But wait, you say, "what if we never had that kind of conversation?" Don't despair, hopeless romantics! There's a teensy loophole...
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When Silence Speaks Volumes (Especially When One of You Can't Speak Anymore)
If your partner is deceased, the court might presume a common law marriage existed based on strong enough evidence of cohabitation and public perception as a married couple. This evidence can include:
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- Living together: Joint leases, utility bills – the whole domestic shebang.
- Playing pretend in public: Did you introduce each other as husband and wife? Did friends and family consider you a married couple?
- Financial entanglement: Joint bank accounts, shared property, or being listed as beneficiaries on life insurance – all scream "we're a team!"
- Tax time tango: Filing joint tax returns is a big sign you saw yourselves as a married unit.
Remember: The burden of proof lies on you, so the more evidence you have, the stronger your case.
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Common Law Marriage FAQs: Quick Hits for the Lovebirds on the Go
How to know if my Pennsylvania common law marriage is valid?
If you tied the knot (verbally) before 2005, you might be good! Gather evidence of cohabitation, public perception as married, and financial ties.What if we never explicitly said we were married?
Sorry, Charlie. Without that clear exchange of vows, it's an uphill battle.My partner passed away. Can I still prove our common law marriage?
Yes, there's a chance! Strong evidence of cohabitation and public perception as married can help your case.This whole common law marriage thing sounds complicated. Should I get a lawyer?
For legal matters like this, a lawyer is your best friend. They can guide you through the evidence-gathering process and represent you in court.Forget common law marriage, let's just get officially married!
Now you're talking! Pennsylvania recognizes marriages performed according to their current laws.
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