What is common law marriage? To comprehend why Colorado allows common law marriage, we must first understand what it is. Like most other states, Colorado does not legally recognize certain marriage practices.
Common law marriage ties into the cultural concept of marriage. Not only are there different cultural practices surrounding marriage, but marriages are also governed by different laws and traditions within the various states.
It’s important to note that while common law marriage is the same thing as a marriage, it is not considered to be based on a contract. When spouses enter into a marriage by contract, they put their agreement into writing. There are specific types of contracts that are used to create a marriage, and these agreements differ among states and cultures.
According to Colorado law, getting married has always been about cohabitation and public reputation. In fact, common law couples don’t even need to live together to be considered common law spouses. Instead, what matters is whether the couple holds themselves out as married to the public and to their respective communities. The basic elements of what is considered common law marriage in colorado in order to be legally recognized as common law spouses, a couple must meet the following requirements for a specific period of time: As stated above, common law marriage is legal in Colorado. However, cohabitation and holding one another out as husband and wife must be continuous throughout this period. In other words, moving in together and holding yourselves out as husband and wife. This rule also applies to temporary separations.
Cultural Values and Lifestyles – How are Common Law Marriages Reflective of Modern Society? While traditional marriage and common law marriage both involve two people coming together as one, the unregulated nature of common law marriage represents a shift in the way we view society and culture. These days, people are much less likely to value marriage than previous generations. In fact, many studies show that cohabitation has become more popular than marriage. Because couples are less inclined to enter into marriages, many of them simply choose to cohabit with someone and live a lifestyle reflective of a traditional marriage. Because these couples live as if they were married, the lack of a written contract in the form of marriage documentation isn’t much of an issue. Distinct from the decreased value of marriage, common law marriage is a flexible marital option that suits many people. Some people prefer common law marriage and oaths with God as witnesses in lieu of registration with the state. Common law marriage ties into the modern lifestyle by reflecting an individualistic mindset. This reflects the modern world’s solution-oriented approach to marriage and domestic relationships. Unlike traditional marriage, common law marriage is an option for people who require mobility, independence and freedom. In fact, the majority of people who fall under the category of common law relationships are young, well-educated and have higher incomes than the general population. Due to the way in which our society has evolved, financial independence and mobility are of utmost importance to these individuals.
For more information on marriage laws, you can visit Nolo’s guide on common law marriage.
