Common-law marriage is no longer recognized in Alabama. This went into effect on January 1st, 2017, which means that individuals who consider themselves to be married must follow through with an official ceremony or obtain the proper certificate to ensure their marriage will be recognized.
One of the main issues with common-law marriages was that the parties involved often lived their lives together and co-mingled their finances and belongings like traditionally married individuals. This created issues when the couple wanted to dissolve the relationship, especially concerning property division and child support payments. The court system would have to determine whether they believed the couple really was common-law married and then move through the divorce and property division process with that in mind. This difficulty has been eliminated now that common-law marriage is no longer recognized in the state, however new concerns regarding estate planning have arisen.
If you are looking for information about marriage in Alabama and how your estate would be handled after your death – whether your significant other would receive anything,– you should reach out to an experienced attorney today. The Bloomston Law Firm can help!