common-law marriage

Friendly

Explanation of "Common-Law Marriage"

Definition: A common-law marriage is a type of relationship where a couple is considered legally married without having gone through a formal ceremony or obtained a marriage license. This happens when they live together and agree to be married.

Usage Instructions:

• When to Use: You can use the term "common-law marriage" when talking about couples who live together and act like they are married, but did not have a wedding.
• Context: It is often used in legal discussions or when discussing family matters.

Example:

• "In some states, if a couple has lived together for a certain number of years and presents themselves as married, they may be recognized as having a common-law marriage."

Advanced Usage:

• Legal Context: In legal discussions, you might hear phrases like "common-law spouse" or "common-law union," which refer to the partners in a common-law marriage.
• Regional Differences: The recognition of common-law marriages varies by country and even by state within a country. Some places recognize them, while others do not.

Word Variants:

• Common-law spouse: Refers to a partner in a common-law marriage.
• Common-law partnership: Similar to common-law marriage, but may refer to a broader range of cohabiting relationships.

Different Meaning:

• Common-law: Besides marriage, "common law" can also refer to laws that are developed through court decisions rather than written statutes.

Synonyms:

• Cohabitation
• Informal marriage
• De facto marriage (used in some countries)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Living in sin": This phrase is sometimes used informally to refer to couples who live together without being married, although it can have negative connotations.
• "Tie the knot": This idiom means to get married, but it does not specifically refer to common-law marriage.

Summary:

A common-law marriage allows couples to be recognized as married without a formal ceremony, based on their agreement and cohabitation.

Academic

Noun

1. a marriage relationship created by agreement and cohabitation rather than by ceremony