Common Law Marriage and Your Rights
Colorado is one of the remaining states which recognizes common law marriages as valid. If such a marriage is found to exist, the spouses are actually granted all of the rights and responsibilities as spouses in more traditional, formalized marriages have. That means they can divorce, thus creating the need for a division of marital property and debts and the resolution of other issues such as child custody and spousal maintenance.
At the firm of Royal A. Martin, P.C., we advise and represent people in matters involving common law marriage, common law divorce and other family law issues.
Contact us today to arrange your consultation with an experienced family law attorney. Attorney Royal A. Martin can discuss the legal issues your case presents and how our firm could help you achieve a successful outcome.
What is a Common Law Marriage?
That's a good question, but, unfortunately it is one that has no clear answer. Simply living together for a number of years does not constitute a common law marriage. Having children together is not enough, nor is having joint bank accounts.
The court will ultimately decide if a common law marriage does in fact exist in your circumstances, based on a number of factors. The most important issue involves this question — during the course of the marriage, did the couple represent themselves as being married?
Royal A. Martin has successfully represented clients in many types of family law and litigation matters, and is skilled at making persuasive arguments before the court. If necessary, Mr. Martin can also represent you in court to establish the existence of a common law marriage or to contest a lawsuit seeking to establish such a marriage under the law.
Common Law Divorce
If a common law marriage is found to exist in your case, our firm can represent you to have that marriage dissolved. In addition, we can work to achieve a successful resolution of all related matters such as property division, child custody and spousal maintenance.
Unmarried Couples Living Together
Even if you are not in a common law marriage as defined by the law, you may have legal issues arising from cohabitation that require the help of a lawyer. If you have children together and are breaking up, we can represent you to resolve child custody and visitation matters. If you own property together, we can work to fairly and equitable divide it while protecting your rights and interests.
Contact a Lawyer Today
For a consultation with Royal A. Martin, P.C. in Colorado Springs, call us toll-free at 866-941-1409 or send us an e-mail.
