Clark Rockefeller's lawyer plans to argue that divorce deal was a sham Aug 16, 2008
"It's a common-law marriage. ... If the order is invalid, he did nothing wrong. It's his child.". Rockefeller is being held on charges he kidnapped his 7-year-old daughter, Reigh, and fled with her from to , sparking a massive manhunt. (New York Daily News)
JC lawyer litigates '50 Cent' for $50 millionLongtime resident represents rapper's ex in court Jul 5, 2008
Catsandonis said New York doesn't recognize common-law marriages, but does recognize contracts between two unmarried cohabitants ... Catasandonis said he hopes this case will makes common-law marriages legal again in New York, and provide protection for those in common law. (Hoboken Reporter, NJ)
N.Y. Governor Defends Recognition of Other Jurisdictions' Gay Marriages May 30, 2008
Paterson compared recognizing legal same-sex marriages as akin to the state's traditional policy of recognizing as valid common-law marriages from other jurisdictions. Same-sex marriage is not legal in New York, and neither is common-law marriage ... Two New York matrimonial law experts said Paterson's reasoning that valid same-sex marriages should be no different for purposes of recognition by New York state than common-law marriages is sound. (Law.com)
The book of revelations May 24, 2008
Henry James complained that Middlemarch was too messy. But it was George Eliot's 'riot of subjectivity' that made the novel so bold. (Guardian Unlimited -- Arts)
Living in Sin? May 9, 2008
In some states and countries, cohabitation is regarded as common-law marriage if you have lived together for a certain amount of time and have a child. It promises a more even split of the housework than that carried out by married couples. (Fox News)
Sect leader worries compound here could be raided Apr 19, 2008
(Texas is one of several states that recognize common-law marriage. . (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Here's to 'bromance' Mar 25, 2008
Their friends promptly dubbed them "Team Brokeback, referring the 2006 tale of cowboy romance between Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. Since graduating college, theyve played a game of musical apartments, each having lived with the other, in one city or another, over the years. The 2000 census found that the number of nonfamily households, which includes people living with roommates and unmarried partners, had gone up by 23 percent since 1990. Ted Mariner, a 27-year-old in advertising sales,... (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
DoubleTake: Husband Wants To Be 'Just Friends' Feb 27, 2008
Maybe he should try common-law marriage next time. Only your husband knows why his first two marriages failed. (KSBW 8, CA)
Court Awards $9M to Cancer Patient Over Cancelled Coverage Feb 25, 2008
Another is to make sure people are actually married, and don t pretend to be a spouse under some common-law marriage belief. To verify all these details before providing coverage is considered too expensive however, to check these details after medical claims starts coming in is well worth the carriers expenses. (MedHeadlines)
Victims Of Deadly Texas Mobile Home Fire Identified Jan 8, 2008
Family members also say the Mexican couple had a common-law marriage and were not U.S. citizens. The Ashley Oaks trailer park about 30 miles south of Houston housed mostly Hispanic residents. (KWTX.com, TX)
3 Children, 2 Adults Killed In Fire Jan 8, 2008
The couple had a common-law marriage and were not United States citizens, relatives said. The girl was bright and "very happy to be in the U.S and learning English," Borjas said. (Click2Houston, TX)
Pearland steroid couple indicted Oct 26, 2007
The couple, who apparently had a common-law marriage, were originally arrested Sept. 20, 2007, after a federal search warrant was executed at their Garden Road residence and a clandestine steroid laboratory was discovered. Agents found four pill/tablet presses each standing five feet tall, eight kilograms of raw steroid powders, more than 100,000 steroid pills/tablets, 200 10-milligram vials of injectable anabolic steroids, one pill cleaner machine, several 50-kilogram drums of steroid binder... (Pearland Journal, TX)
What's the law? Oct 24, 2007
Hawaii has no common-law marriage ... Answer: From Leslie Hubert, Legal Aid paralegal: I assume you mean common-law marriage ... Common-law marriage is when a couple has not gone through a ceremonial marriage and the license process, but is defined when they live together for a significant period of time, hold themselves out to be a married couple to the community, refer to each other as husband and wife, file joint tax returns and intend to be married. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Report: Colorado Child Bride Reunited With Husband 20 Years Her Senior Sep 11, 2007
A child bride whose husband was sent to prison after Colorado invalidated their common-law marriage has been reunited with her lover, 20 years her senior, the Denver Post reports ... The state Court of Appeals ruled on June 15, 2006, that Colorado had no stated minimum age for common-law marriage but said the state has adopted English common law, which makes girls as young as 12 and boys as young as 14 eligible for marriage ... "It was imperative that Colorado change its law concerning the... (Fox News)
All the right (and wrong) moves Aug 4, 2007
Where things can get dicey is the point at which estate planning intersects with common-law marriage, especially the politically and socially contentious same-sex variety. Many jurisdictions do not recognize such unions. (International Herald Tribune -- Money Report)
Ruling party holds onto its majority in French parliament Jun 19, 2007
" The election day also brought dramatic personal news: The two top Socialist officials -- party leader Hollande and defeated presidential candidate Segolene Royal -- have ended their common-law marriage, according to excerpts from a book to be published this week. The couple, who had lived together for 25 years, have four children. The French press had reported problems in their relationship for months -- some of which emerged in barbs on the campaign trail earlier this year. In interviews for... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
University Senate | Committee battles health care difficulties for unmarried couples Apr 29, 2007
Another setback for the couple was that New York state has no common-law marriage title. "When Wade and I lived in Colorado, we had common-law marriage status," Wilson said. (Daily Orange, NY)
Iraq vet to be buried in Texas, not Oregon Feb 28, 2007
A Texas court has recognized the common-law marriage of an Iraq veteran and his girlfriend. The decision will allow her to bury him in Texas rather than in Oregon as his mother desires. (KSLA.com, LA)
March 12 arraignment set in case of Louisa County priest accused of embezzling from two rural churches Feb 27, 2007
Maus didn't answer questions about whether the children were Rodis' or whether the priest and Sillador had a common-law marriage. Maus said Sillador and the girls recently moved to New Mexico. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Breaking and Entering **½ Feb 16, 2007
So it makes his common-law marriage a deteriorating one he and his wife Liv (Robert Wright Penn) have drifted politely but firmly apart, swirling about in their respective eddies of anxiety. However, since mere marital discord is insufficient motivation, the plot hits on a catalyst in the unlikely form of a golden-hearted hooker, whose platonic encounter with Will awakens him to the passionate urges of the untamed heart. (Globe and Mail -- Entertainment)
Same-sex marriage bill divides Cody lawmakers - By Mark Heinz Feb 13, 2007
Wyoming does not recognize the creation of common-law marriages within its borders, but will enforce common-law marriages formed in other states, Simpson noted ... hen you're trying to ban recognition of same-sex marriage, you could end up also banning recognition of common-law marriage between heterosexuals. (Cody Enterprise, WY)
Ore. mother, GI's girlfriend feud over his remains Jan 25, 2007
Oregon does not recognize common-law marriage, but about 15 states do. Texas requires only that a couple consider themselves married, present themselves to others as husband and wife or file a joint tax return and live together in Texas. (KSLA.com, LA)
Mother, girlfriend battling over where to bury Oregon soldier Jan 25, 2007
Uranga still hopes a Texas judge will recognize her as legal next of kin because Texas has liberal common-law marriage rules. Court documents show that she considers them legally married because they were living together more than a year. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR)
Texas marriage laws spark feud over ex-soldier's remains Jan 25, 2007
A battle over custody of the remains of an Iraq veteran who died after a bar disturbance in Texas has boiled down to claims of love, greed and the freewheeling common-law marriage laws of the Lone Star State ... "They're holding my son hostage in this common-law marriage thing," Cheryl Freese said Wednesday, claiming Uranga's motive is "greed." ... Oregon does not recognize common-law marriage, but about 15 states do. (KHOU.com, TX)
Homeless man finds strength to help save girl's life Jan 19, 2007
The Navajo Indian, known to other vagrants as "Chief," took to the road more than 20 years ago when a common-law marriage soured. He worked odd jobs to keep in booze, used food stamps to eat and slept on the ground in cities throughout the West. (Las Vegas Review-Journal -- Nevada News)
Legislator goes too far Jan 6, 2007
"Make no mistake, provision of benefits to homosexual pairs will be just the beginning. Bets are on that the next lawsuits will come from shacked-up heterosexuals and common-law marriage folks.". Too bad the representative doesn't understand the court order. (Anchorage Daily News)
Cloning, The Embryonic Stage Jan 5, 2007
Looks like the rapturous Back-to-Eden movement led by food-production purists like California chef-gourmand Alice Waters and goaded with a cattle prod by Fast Food Nation s mindful-consumption provocateur Eric Schlosser is no match for agriculture s common-law marriage to biotech. It s been a decade since the cloned mammalia named after bosomy Dolly Parton was born: Dolly the Sheep was an identical genetic copy created from the mammary gland of an anonymous ewe, as Dolly s mother/twin was often... (San Antonio Current, TX)
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAY Dec 24, 2006
Though Washburn's mother said she has worried considerably since he hit the road more than 20 years ago, after his common-law marriage soured, she said she now believes he has a wandering spirit that must be satisfied. Every few years -- sometimes as long as seven -- he returns to the reservation after living throughout the West. (Las Vegas Review-Journal -- Nevada News)
Unlikely Hero Nov 28, 2006
He has been on the move since he left his native New Mexico 20 years ago after what he terms a "bad common-law marriage." He has been able to beat death, he said, by being continually aware of his surroundings, by moving constantly. "I never stay anywhere for more than a few months so people don't get used to me and beat me," he said. (Las Vegas Review-Journal -- Nevada News)
At the polls Nov 9, 2006
Marriage: "It's a sneaky way of taking away health care benefits, especially for common-law marriage situations." The state of health care, he said, "is atrocious.". Death penalty: "This one was tough for me," he said. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Getting back to the future can't buy happiness Sep 13, 2006
Soon enough, cute ASIMOs will be challenging common-law marriage statutes across the country. The future has arrived, but something very important has been left in the past: a dream of happiness. (Newsday -- Opinion)
Group explores the past through interviews Aug 1, 2006
Among those papers were divorce documents, common-law marriage documents and evidence from murder investigations - including the murder weapons themselves. "We had a log sheet, and we put in a description of the document and the kind of document it was. Specifically, we wanted the names that were mentioned in these documents. If we found anything of genealogical interest, we would ask if we could copy it. It's a joy to a genealogist when they find available courthouse documents," Matthews said. (Florida Times-Union)
Rebel scoffed at all rules Jul 23, 2006
Shocking his peers, Caturla lived in common-law marriage with the black woman who bore his children. When she died, Caturla married her sister. (The Miami Herald)
Owens Signs Bills Banning Child Brides Jul 19, 2006
(AP) DENVER Gov. Bill Owens signed a measure banning child brides on Tuesday, ending an uproar over a court ruling that 12-year-old girls could enter common-law marriages in Colorado ... The state Court of Appeals ruled on June 15 that Colorado had no stated minimum age for common-law marriage but said the state has adopted English common law, which makes girls as young as 12 and boys as young as 14 eligible for marriage ... Betty Boyd, D-Lakewood, asked legislative lawyers to draft a bill... (CBS 4, CO)
Lawmakers Kill Vote Bill On Immigration Issue Jul 9, 2006
To meet other components of the governor's order bringing lawmakers to the Capitol for the special session, the House gave final approval to a measure (Senate Bill 6) to limit common-law marriage to people 18 and older; and tentatively approved a bill (Senate Bill 2) that would require the state Supreme Court to rule within 30 days of when briefs are filed to challenge state Title Board decisions on ballot initiatives. The House Democrats' plan to deny illegal immigrants some services differs... (CBS 4, CO)
Senate Backs Restricting Common-Law Marriage Jul 8, 2006
06 - AP) An effort to put some new age restrictions on common-law marriage in Colorado is advancing at the state Capitol. Last night the full Senate gave initial backing to the proposal which says common-law marriage is available only to people 18 years old or older ... Colorado is one of only 10 states plus the District of Columbia that recognizes common-law marriage. (FOX31, CO)
Colo. lawmakers meet in special session on illegal immigration Jul 7, 2006
Also on the table is a proposal to raise the minimum age for common-law marriage after a state court ruled that girls as young as 12 and boys as young as 14 can marry. email alerts Enter your email address to get Breaking News newsletters. (AZCentral -- News)
Governor Calls for Work on Common-Law Marriage Jun 30, 2006
06 - AP) Governor Owens says while lawmakers are back at the Capitol for a special session on immigration next week, they should also either scrap common-law marriage or raise the minimum age requirements for it. That follows a ruling from the state appeals court this month that girls as young as 12 and boys as young as 14 can enter into common-law marriage ... The governor says lawmakers should consider whether Colorado should continue to recognize common-law marriage. (FOX31, CO)
Am I married? Jun 26, 2006
Youre living together in whats known as a common-law marriage a legal marital status recognized by a handful of states ... Since Montana is one of those states that recognize common-law marriage, youre best shot at claiming joint filing status for 2004 is No. 2. (MSNBC -- Business)
Colorado loophole lets teens marry (Valerie Richardson) Jun 18, 2006
DENVER -- Twelve-year-old girls are free to enter into a common-law marriage with 14-year-old boys or, for that matter, actor Johnny Depp, according to a Colorado court decision ... "We have very clear rules in statutory marriage but not in common-law marriage. The logic does follow, but it takes you to a surprising place," Mr. Harhai said ... State statute sets the age limit at 16 with parental consent and 18 without it, but Colorado law also contains a provision for common-law marriages. (Washington Times)
Colorado Court Allows Young Teens to Get Married Jun 16, 2006
Colorado Allows Young Teens to Enter Into Common-Law Marriages ... The panel said there was no clear legislative or statutory guidance on common-law marriages, and that Colorado courts have not determined an age of consent ... Colorado is one of 10 states, plus the , that recognize common-law marriage, which is based on English law dating back hundreds of years. (Fox News)
15-year-old girls can marry, court rules Jun 16, 2006
Colorado recognizes common-law marriages ... DENVER, Colorado (AP) -- A 15-year-old girl can enter into a common-law marriage in Colorado, a state appeals court ruled Thursday ... The panel said there was no clear legislative or statutory guidance on common-law marriages, and that Colorado courts have not determined an age of consent. (CNN)
Bryant's accuser refiles suit in her name Jun 16, 2006
A common-law marriage in Colorado between a 14-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl is possible in the wake of an appellate court ruling Thursday. JUNE 16. (Yahoo News -- Kobe Bryant)
15 Not Too Young For Common-Law Marriage Jun 16, 2006
com - Family - Common-Law Marriages Could Start Under 15 ... Common-Law Marriages Could Start Under 15 ... DENVER -- A 15-year-old girl can enter into a common-law marriage in Colorado, and younger girls and boys possibly can, too, a state appeals court ruled Thursday. (Click2Houston, TX)
US News Jun 16, 2006
shtml Colorado Appeals Court Rules 15-Year-Old Girls Can Enter Into Common-Law Marriage http://ap. brainerddispatch. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Does your marriage really need protecting? Jun 11, 2006
"Good news, Wilma! There's no chance I'm gonna elope to the Poconos with Barney now.'' Apart from that breakthrough, however, I'm just not getting the protective aspect of the so-called Marriage Protection Amendment. It's a very big deal to the people pushing the amendment, but no people of the same sex have ever been able to marry each other legally in Pennsylvania. In 1984, Superior Court of Pennsylvania held that two persons of the same sex cannot contract a common-law marriage. In 1996, just... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Alabama OKs marriage measure (Cheryl Wetzstein) Jun 8, 2006
Early returns from the Tuesday vote showed 81 percent supported the amendment, which also says the state will not recognize common-law marriage or unions that replicate "marriage" of people of the same sex. "This is a rebuke to all those liberals on the U.S. Senate floor during the Marriage Protection Amendment debate who have been telling us that Americans don't care about the marriage issue," said Robert Knight, director of Concerned Women for America's Culture and Family Institute. (Washington Times, DC)
End common-law marriages Apr 4, 2006
The concept of common-law marriage is archaic, and the state no longer should recognize it ... A bill approved by a Senate subcommittee last week would do away with recognizing common-law marriages ... Fewer than a dozen states continue to recognize common-law marriages, and some, including Oklahoma and Utah, also have been trying to end the practice. (Herald Online, SC)
Jurist seeks tour with convicted instructor, some call it 'no-brainer' lesson Mar 9, 2006
The relationship cost Ingram her job and reportedly led to the breakup of her 12-year common-law marriage to a man four years her senior. Substitute teacher at South Central High School in Winterville, N.C., was indicted in January 2006 on charges she was having an improper relationship with a 15-year-old student. (WorldNetDaily)
Jeffrey became 'invisible' Jan 18, 2006
After divorcing her cousin, Bottineaus subsequent common-law marriage to Kidman produced three more children, including Yvonne. A psychological report submitted at the trial described Bottineau as having borderline intelligence and being quick-tempered, hostile and a danger to herself and others. (Toronto Star)
Trafficking victims savour fresh start Jan 7, 2006
The trafficker forced Xu into a common-law marriage with a 37-year-old farmer who paid 2,000 yuan (US$247) for her. "By day, he forced me to work long hours in the field. By night, I was locked in a dark cellar with no means of escape," said Xu. (Xinhuanet, China)
