If you’re in a long-term relationship and living with your partner in Texas, you might be wondering if you’re in a common law marriage. Justin D. Cook, the experienced family law attorney at The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, understands common law marriage and is dedicated to helping you protect your rights. In Texas, common law marriage, also known as informal marriage, is legally recognized and comes with the same rights and responsibilities as a formal marriage.
It’s important to understand how common law marriage works and what steps you should take to protect your interests. If you have questions about your common law marriage or need legal guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Justin D. Cook for a consultation.
Requirements for Common Law Marriage in Texas
According to Texas Family Code § 2.401(a)(2), to establish a valid common law marriage in Texas, you and your partner must meet three key criteria:
- Agree to be married
- Live together in Texas as spouses
- Represent to others that you are married
There’s no specific time requirement for how long you must live together to be considered common law married. However, if you separate and don’t take legal action within two years, it becomes more challenging to prove that a common law marriage existed, as stated in Texas Family Code § 2.401(b).
Justin D. Cook can help you navigate these requirements and gather the necessary evidence to establish your common law marriage. He will work closely with you to understand your unique situation and develop a tailored strategy to protect your rights.
Legal Recognition and Rights in Common Law Marriage
Once established, a common law marriage in Texas has the same legal status as a formal marriage. This means that:
- Community property laws apply to assets acquired during the marriage
- If you separate, you must go through a formal divorce process
- You have the same rights and responsibilities as formally married couples
While not required, you can file a Declaration of Informal Marriage with the county clerk to officially document your common law marriage, as per Texas Family Code § 2.402. Justin D. Cook can assist you with this process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Protecting Your Rights in Case of Separation or Divorce
If your common law marriage ends, either by separation or death, property acquired during the marriage is considered community property and is subject to division, as outlined in Texas Family Code Chapter 3. Navigating the complexities of property division and divorce proceedings can be challenging, especially when it comes to protecting your rights and assets.
That’s why it’s best to have a skilled Texas family lawyer like Justin D. Cook by your side. With over 15 years of experience, he takes a compassionate yet aggressive approach to each case, working tirelessly to defend and protect his clients’ rights. Justin D. Cook understands the emotional stress involved in family law disputes and strives to build a strong attorney-client relationship based on trust, integrity, and open communication.
Don’t leave your rights and future to chance. If you’re in a common law marriage or considering entering into one, reach out to Justin D. Cook at The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC to discuss your situation and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way. Schedule a consultation today by calling 210-740-0281 or completing the online contact form on their website.
Same-Sex Couples and Common Law Marriage
Since the 2015 Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, same-sex couples can enter into common law marriages in Texas. Justin D. Cook is committed to providing legal guidance and representation to all couples, regardless of their sexual orientation. He understands the unique challenges that same-sex couples may face when it comes to establishing and protecting their rights in a common law marriage.
If you’re in a same-sex relationship and have questions about common law marriage, Justin D. Cook can help. He will work with you to understand your specific situation and provide the legal support you need to safeguard your interests.
Why Should You Seek Legal Guidance for Your Common Law Marriage?
Dealing with the intricacies of common law marriage can be daunting, especially when it comes to protecting your rights and assets. Without proper legal guidance, you may find yourself in a vulnerable position, unsure of how to proceed or what steps to take to safeguard your interests. That’s why it’s wise to consult with a skilled Texas family lawyer like Justin D. Cook, who can guide you through the process and help you understand your options.
When you’re in a common law marriage, you may face unique challenges that require the expertise of an experienced attorney. Justin D. Cook can assist you in establishing your common law marriage, ensuring that you meet all the necessary criteria and have the proper documentation to support your claim. He can also help you draft agreements, such as prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, to protect your assets and define the terms of your relationship.
In the event of a separation or divorce, having a knowledgeable lawyer like Justin D. Cook by your side can make all the difference. He can help you navigate the legal system, advocate for your rights, and work towards a fair and equitable resolution. Justin D. Cook understands the emotional and financial toll that a separation or divorce can take, and he will work to protect your interests and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Also, seeking legal guidance from Justin D. Cook can provide you with peace of mind and a sense of security. Knowing that you have a skilled attorney on your side who understands your situation and is committed to protecting your rights can alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty that often accompanies common law marriage issues.
Don’t Hesitate to Reach Out to a Texas Family Lawyer
Common law marriage in Texas carries the same legal rights and responsibilities as a formal marriage. If you’re in a long-term relationship and living with your partner, it’s important to understand how common law marriage works and what steps you should take to protect your rights. Justin D. Cook, the experienced family law attorney at The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, is here to help you.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Justin D. Cook for legal guidance and representation. Call 210-740-0281 or complete the online contact form on The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC website to schedule a consultation and discuss your common law marriage situation. With Justin D. Cook by your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that your rights and future are in capable hands.