Introduction
Under Arizona state law, common law marriages contracted in the state are not recognized. However, Arizona does acknowledge opposite-sex marriages that were created in other states that do recognize common law marriages. If a couple is entered into a common law marriage in a state that recognizes such marriages, then relocates to Arizona, the couple is still considered legally married in Arizona, even though common law marriages aren’t recognized under state law.
Which States Allow Common Law Marriages to be Contracted?
Couples in a common law marriage who move to Arizona from the following states will have their marriage recognized by the state of Arizona:
Alabama
Colorado
Kansas
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Iowa
Montana
Utah
Texas
District of Columbia
Other states, like Utah, recognize common law marriages if they’ve been court approved. All states, including Arizona, recognize common law marriages that were first created in these states that allow the marriage arrangement. The definitions and requirements for common law marriages in these states are varied, and couples in these states looking to learn more about common law marriage can research their state’s marriage laws.
Have Additional Arizona Marriage Questions?
If you have more questions about common law marriage, or other marital topics in the state of Arizona, contact the family law team at JacksonWhite to schedule your family law consultation. Attorney Tim Durkin can help provide the counsel and assistance you need to ensure a positive outcome for your marital matters.
Call the Family Law Team at (480) 467-4348 to discuss your case today.