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As a divorce lawyer practicing in California, it is essential to address a common misconception regarding relationships and legal rights. Many individuals believe that living together for a certain period or presenting themselves as a married couple creates legal obligations similar to those in a formal marriage. However, under California law, there is no recognition of common law marriage. In this blog post, I aim to educate our readers on the legal status of unmarried couples in California, emphasizing that they do not possess the same rights as married couples when it comes to inheritance, alimony, and other legal protections.
Understanding Common Law Marriage in California: First and foremost, it is crucial to clarify that California does not recognize common law marriage, regardless of how long a couple has lived together or presented themselves as married. Unlike some other states, where common law marriages may be legally recognized, California maintains specific requirements for a valid marriage. To be legally married in California, couples must obtain a marriage license and conduct a formal marriage ceremony.
Legal Implications for Unmarried Couples: As an unmarried couple in California, it is important to understand that you are considered single in the eyes of the law. This means that you do not possess the legal rights and protections that married couples enjoy. Let’s explore some specific areas where the legal implications of being unmarried can significantly impact individuals:
- Inheritance Rights: Under California law, unmarried partners have no automatic rights to inherit from each other. If one partner passes away without a will or estate plan in place, the surviving partner does not have the same inheritance rights as a spouse would. To ensure that your partner is protected and provided for in the event of your passing, it is crucial to create a comprehensive estate plan that includes a will, trusts, and other necessary documents.
- Alimony or Spousal Support: One of the significant legal rights that married couples may have is the entitlement to alimony or spousal support. In the case of a divorce, one spouse may be required to provide financial support to the other. However, this legal obligation does not extend to unmarried partners. Without the legal recognition of marriage, there is no automatic entitlement to financial support following a separation.
- Division of Assets: Married couples in California benefit from community property laws, which generally require an equal division of assets acquired during the marriage. This division may also include debts accumulated during the marriage. However, unmarried couples do not have the same legal protections. Each partner typically retains ownership of the property they individually acquired, regardless of the duration of the relationship.
- Child Custody and Support: If unmarried couples have children together and decide to separate, child custody and support matters are addressed in a similar manner to those of married couples. The court considers the best interests of the child and may establish custody and support orders accordingly. However, it is crucial to consult with an experienced family law attorney to navigate the complexities of child custody and support in an unmarried situation.
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Call our office today at 949-889-1227. We specialize in helping clients who have divorce and family law matters complicated by narcissism, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses. John A. Bledsoe is Orange County’s premier divorce attorney and a certified family law specialist. Our firm offers a confidential initial case evaluation. to learn more.
Content note: This blog is made available by the law firm publisher for educational purposes only and to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog/Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.
