Not every couple is the same. Some couples want to get married, while others are happy living and sharing their lives “unofficially.” But the law generally prefers “married” to “cohabiting,” and married couples enjoy legal rights not afforded to unmarried partners.
Some couples consider themselves married without going through the formalities. But does Illinois recognize that kind of partnership as marriage?
Does Illinois Recognize Common Law Marriage?
Illinois does not recognize common-law marriages.
To be legally married in Illinois, a couple must have a license, and someone authorized by the state must solemnize the marriage.
However, Illinois does recognize common law marriages from other states. In rare circumstances, Illinois will divorce a couple in a common law marriage if it was formed in another state.
A common law marriage occurs when a couple lives together for an extended period and holds themselves out to family, friends, and community as being married. There is no ceremony, and the couple never signs a marriage license.
If a common-law married couple moves to Illinois, they are entitled to the same protections as couples legally married in this state. This means the couple can divorce in Illinois, and a court can divide their marital assets. However, the couple must establish that:
- Common-law marriage was recognized in the state where they claim to have “been married;”
- They met the common law marriage requirements of that state, and
- They did not already divorced in another state.
What Rights Do Unmarried Couples Have in Illinois?
But what about unmarried couples who live together in Illinois? Do they have legal rights when property disputes or child custody issues arise after a breakup?
In August 2016, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that unmarried couples have no legal right to each other’s property if they break up. This is true even if the couple has children together.
Ending a long-term relationship can be complicated, even without children. That’s why some couples enter into a cohabitation agreement.
A cohabitation agreement is similar to a prenuptial agreement. A contract between two consenting adults allows them to address how to communicate their finances and distribute their assets if the relationship doesn’t work out.
But keep in mind that a cohabitation agreement cannot set the terms of child support or parenting time, which must be approved by a court.
An experienced attorney can help you negotiate a cohabitation agreement and can also help you enforce its terms.
Contact Us Today for Assistance
The dedicated Naperville family law attorneys at the Roscich & Martel Law Firm, LLC, can help determine your rights under Illinois law.
Contact us today for a free consultation if you are seeking a divorce, considering a cohabitation agreement, or have any other family law-related issue.
Sources:
http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/common-law-marriage.aspx
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-illinois-supreme-court-domestic-partners-property-ruling-met-20160819-story.html