Is Common Law Marriage Recognized in Connecticut?
No. It is a common misconception that if unmarried couples reside together for a long enough period of time in Connecticut, a “Common Law” marriage is created, from which certain legal rights (such as alimony or property distribution rights) arise. In fact, Common Law marriage is not recognized in Connecticut and, accordingly, no legal rights or consequences are accorded to unmarried couples who may reside together in a long-term romantic relationship.
Are there any Exceptions to the General Rule that Common Law Marriage is not Recognized in Connecticut?
There is one narrow exception to this general rule. Generally, the validity of a marriage in Connecticut is determined by the law of the state in which the relationship was created. Accordingly, if a couple established a Common Law marriage in a state that recognizes such relationships, the Common Law marriage that was established in the other state will be recognized in Connecticut. The law of the state in which the common law marriage was claimed to have been contracted will determine the existence and validity of such a relationship.
May Unmarried Couples Enter into Binding Legal Agreements from Which Financial Rights and Obligations Arise?
Yes. It is not uncommon for couples who are involved in a committed relationship, but who do not wish or intend to marry, to desire that certain financial rights and obligations that might otherwise only arise by way of marriage apply to them. While cohabitation alone does not create any contractual relationship between cohabitating parties, or impose other legal duties upon such parties, in such scenarios the parties may enter into a written agreement, commonly referred to as a “Cohabitation Agreement.”
What is a Cohabitation Agreement?
A Cohabitation Agreement is a contract between unmarried cohabitants which allows the parties to contract to certain financial rights and obligations arising from their relationship, notwithstanding their intention to remain unmarried. The state of Connecticut recognizes the legal validity of such agreements. Typically, such agreements address rights and obligations pertaining to financial support (akin to alimony), or distribution of property in the event the relationship ends.
Are Cohabitation Agreements Enforceable in the same Manner as Divorce Agreements?
No. Although Cohabitation Agreements are recognized in Connecticut, financial disputes between unmarried cohabitants emanating from such agreements must be resolved by means outside the statutory scheme for dissolution of marriage. Specifically, this means that Cohabitation Agreements must be considered under general contract principles.
At Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC, we have experience drafting and negotiating Cohabitation Agreements for clients throughout Fairfield County and Connecticut.
