Common law marriage is a unique and sometimes misunderstood concept in family law. In South Carolina, this form of marriage exists under specific conditions and has distinct legal implications. While it is not as commonly practiced today, understanding its nature is essential for individuals in long-term relationships who may be concerned about legal recognition or responsibilities. This article will explore what constitutes a common law marriage in South Carolina, its legal effects, and the process of proving or disbanding such a union.
Defining Common Law Marriage in South Carolina
Common law marriage is often a subject of confusion because it differs from traditional marriage in several ways. In South Carolina, common law marriage refers to a marriage-like relationship where a couple lives together and presents themselves as married, without obtaining a formal marriage license or ceremony. However, it is important to note that the state has specific legal requirements for a common law marriage to be recognized.
Legal Requirements for a Common Law Marriage
For a common law marriage to be valid in South Carolina, certain criteria must be met. These requirements include:
Mutual Agreement to Be Married: Both parties must have the mutual intention to be husband and wife. This agreement does not need to be formalized through a ceremony, but both individuals must openly and affirmatively consent to the relationship as a marriage.
Cohabitation: The couple must live together for a significant period of time. While there is no strict duration defined by law, the relationship should be long-term, reflecting the nature of a traditional marriage.
Public Recognition of the Marriage: The couple must present themselves to others as a married couple. This can include using the same last name, referring to each other as spouses, and holding themselves out to the community as married.
Legal Capacity: Both individuals must be of legal age and have the mental capacity to enter into a marriage. Any pre-existing marriages must be legally dissolved before a new common law marriage can be formed.
South Carolina’s Stance on Common Law Marriage
While common law marriages were once more common in South Carolina, the state now has a more rigid stance on this type of union. In 1994, South Carolina abolished the formation of new common law marriages. However, common law marriages that were established before this date are still legally recognized in the state.
It is essential to distinguish between the two aspects of South Carolina law: new common law marriages are no longer allowed, but existing common law marriages from before 1994 remain valid. This means that while you cannot enter into a new common law marriage in South Carolina, if you were already in a common law marriage before the law change, your marriage is legally recognized.
Challenges in Proving a Common Law Marriage
One of the most significant challenges that people face with common law marriage is proving its existence. Unlike traditional marriages, which are documented with a marriage certificate, common law marriages do not have an official record. This can make it difficult to prove the validity of the relationship if it is ever contested in court.
Gathering Evidence of Cohabitation and Agreement
To prove the existence of a common law marriage, a person must provide evidence that the couple lived together, presented themselves as married, and had an agreement to marry. This evidence can include:
- Testimony from family, friends, and acquaintances who witnessed the couple living together and referring to each other as husband and wife.
- Financial records showing joint accounts, tax filings, or property ownership in both names.
- Communication evidence such as letters, emails, or other documents where the couple refers to themselves as married.
- Additionally, proving mutual consent to be married can be difficult if one party denies the existence of the relationship.
Courts may rely on circumstantial evidence, including how the couple interacted with others, whether they introduced each other as spouses, or whether they were listed as married in legal or financial documents.
Legal Implications of Common Law Marriage
Once a common law marriage is recognized, it carries the same legal implications as a traditional marriage in South Carolina. This means that the couple has rights and responsibilities similar to those of legally married spouses. These include:
Property division: In the event of separation or divorce, the couple’s property may be divided according to South Carolina’s equitable distribution laws.
Spousal support: A spouse in a common law marriage may be entitled to alimony in the event of a divorce.
Inheritance rights: If one spouse dies without a will, the surviving spouse has inheritance rights under the state’s laws.
It is important for individuals in common law marriages to be aware that, despite the lack of a formal ceremony or marriage license, they have legal rights and responsibilities just like those in a traditional marriage.
Ending a Common Law Marriage
Like traditional marriages, common law marriages can be legally dissolved through divorce. The process is similar to that of a conventional divorce, where a court will review the division of assets, alimony, and other factors. However, the absence of a formal marriage certificate can complicate matters, especially if the marriage is contested.
Legal Steps for Dissolution
To dissolve a common law marriage, the couple must file for divorce in the same manner as those in traditional marriages. The court will review the couple’s situation, including their property division, financial support, and any other relevant issues.
If there are children involved, the court will also determine custody, visitation, and child support based on the same criteria used in legal marriages.
Conclusion
In South Carolina, common law marriage exists only for those who entered into such a relationship before the state abolished its formation in 1994. The legal recognition of common law marriages from before that time is significant, and those involved in such relationships should understand their rights and responsibilities. While proving a common law marriage can be challenging, the legal implications are important for property division, inheritance rights, and spousal support. Understanding these issues is crucial for anyone who believes they may be in a common law marriage or facing its dissolution.
Related articles: