Marital Property

Texas recognizes two types of marriage: ceremonial and common law. Texas specifically defines a marriage as between one man and one woman. A ceremonial marriage is one peformed in a church or other place by a religious figure or judicial figure. A common law marriage is recognized if the man and woman: 1. agree to be married, 2. hold themselves out as husband and wife (also called "holding out"), and 3. cohabitate. Contrary to popular belief, living together does not in and of itself create a common law marriage without the other two elements nor is there a time limit after which you become "common law married." Texas law adds a provision that says if a common law married couple does not file for a divorce after two years of separation, they are presumed to not have been married. Because a marriage can only be ended by death or court action (divorce or annulment), once you have established a common law marriage, it is probably the correct practice to file for divorce, no matter how many years of separation occur.

Please realize the information contained on this web site should not be construed as legal advice nor does it create an attorney-client relationship between us. It is simply here as a means for me to provide you some basic information for you to use when deciding on whether or not you need to hire an attorney. Because each case is different, it would be impossible for us to provide legal advice on a web site.