Wife announced to husband that she wanted to get a divorce.
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A Common Law Marriage in Another State Could Mean Divorce in Illinois

Illinois family law does not allow common law marriage between persons who choose to cohabitate, however, the state law does recognize common law marriages that began legally in other states. Persons who entered a legal common law marriage in a state that allows them must seek a divorce before getting married in Illinois.

Illinois’ Double Standard

There are two rules that apply to cohabitation in Illinois. First, the state requires a license for people to marry legally. No live-in relationship in the state is considered legally binding on either party simply because of the living arrangements.

Second, the state does recognize a legal common law marriage that originated in another state. In these cases, the cohabitation partners have the same legal rights as married partners.

This “double standard” can create problems for those who end a cohabitation arrangement or seek to marry formally after ending a recognized common law relationship. An Illinois family law attorney can best sort out any given factual scenario.

When Divorce May Be Required

Under Illinois law, when people choose to live together or cohabitate, they are free to separate at any time with no legal obligations owed to the other partner because of the relationship. They may legally marry another person without taking any additional steps to nullify their former relationship.

If the cohabitation began in another state, a family law attorney would want to determine if the relationship was legally recognized there. If so, the parties must seek a divorce in Illinois before either can legally remarry.

Cohabitation Agreements

Because Illinois does not recognize common law marriage, even persons engaged in long-term cohabitation with shared assets and property have no legal claim on each other unless they establish a cohabitation agreement. A family law attorney drafting an agreement will address:

  • Ownership of shared property
  • Parental support and responsibilities for children resulting from the relationship
  • Division of shared assets if the parties separate or die
  • Guardianship of the other party if one is incapacitated
  • Other issues not defined outside of legal marriage

Protecting rights

While common law marriage is not recognized in Illinois, many people do decide to cohabitate or have been in common law marriages in other states. An understanding of the Illinois law can help protect the rights of all parties, including those who wish to marry legally and those ending a cohabitation arrangement.

He helps clients resolve issues relating to family law, including divorce, parenting time and parental responsibilities, paternity, and child support. As a skilled real estate attorney as well, Scott also provides advice and legal representation to clients who are purchasing or selling residential or commercial property in Illinois.

Years of Experience: Approx. 30 years
Illinois Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: Illiois Courts Northern District of Illinois Federal Courts Illinois State Bar Association Chicago Bar Association
Wife announced to husband that she wanted to get a divorce.

He helps clients resolve issues relating to family law, including divorce, parenting time and parental responsibilities, paternity, and child support. As a skilled real estate attorney as well, Scott also provides advice and legal representation to clients who are purchasing or selling residential or commercial property in Illinois.

Years of Experience: Approx. 30 years
Illinois Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: Illiois Courts Northern District of Illinois Federal Courts Illinois State Bar Association Chicago Bar Association

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