Quote:
Originally Posted by arrwheader
Isn't there something with if you co-habitate for awhile they can still take you for your shit since its like assumed marriage or something? You share the bills etc so they get something. I think that happened to my cousin.
|
As others have noted, common law marriage can get you.
The question is how does the couple hold themselves out? Do they file taxes together (pretty much a slam-dunk if yes). Do they introduce each other as spouses, or as partners?
It becomes a fact-specific inquiry. Once the dust settles, the real issue is whether they have portrayed themselves as married, or just as partners. My next door neighbor is a lawyer, too, and I noticed when he introduced his live-in partner of many years that he was sure to say "this is my partner."