Texas is one of a handful of states that recognizes a common law, or informal, marriage. If a person can prove to a court that the couple had a common law marriage, then they will have the same benefits as those who had a marriage ceremony and obtained a legal marriage license. If the couple separates, the court cannot make any orders regarding property division, child custody, child support, or spousal support unless the court first rules that there was a common law marriage. However, they choose to prove the marriage, both parties must be at least 18 years old. Filing a Declaration of … [Read more...]