CAN YOU BE MARRIED BY “COMMON LAW” IN NEW YORK STATE?

By: Florence M. Richardson, Esq.

A Common Law marriage is one created despite no marriage license being issued and no marriage ceremony being performed. New York State does not allow the creation of a marriage by common law within its borders.

Common law marriage was abolished in New York State in 1933. New York State does, however, recognize a common law marriage created in another state, if the legal requirements of that other state have been met.

Accordingly, legal action is required to dissolve such a valid common law marriage created in a state where creation of such marriages is permitted.

The matrimonial attorneys at O’Connell & Aronowitz are available to advise you on this topic and other nuances of matrimonial and family law. For more information call 518-462-5601 or fill out our contact form.