Common Law Marriage

Common Law Marriage in Colorado Springs

Common law marriage allows couples to be legally recognized as married without a formal ceremony or license. Colorado recognizes common law marriage under specific conditions, which can affect property division, inheritance, and spousal rights.

At Divorce Matters, our experienced Colorado Springs divorce attorneys help clients understand, establish, or dissolve common law marriages, providing clear guidance tailored to their legal needs.

  1. Mutual Consent to Be Married – Both parties must intend to be married. This intention must be clear and mutual.
  2. Cohabitation – The couple must live together as spouses. There is no minimum period of cohabitation required under Colorado law.
  3. Public Representation as a Married Couple – The couple must hold themselves out to the public as married. This can include using the same last name, referring to each other as spouses, filing joint tax returns, or presenting themselves as a married couple to friends and family.

Why Choose Our Colorado Springs Law Firm?

Our firm provides compassionate, results-driven representation for individuals in common law marriages. We understand the unique legal challenges involved and develop personalized strategies to protect your rights and financial interests. Through clear communication, thorough evidence gathering, and strong advocacy in negotiation or litigation, we guide clients with professionalism and care—helping them achieve clarity, security, and peace of mind.

Protecting Your Rights in a Common Law Marriage

Whether you are entering, ending, or seeking to clarify a common law marriage, protecting your rights is critical. Some steps to consider include:

  1. Consulting a Family Law Attorney – Legal guidance ensures your actions comply with Colorado law and protect your interests.
  2. Documenting the Relationship – Maintain records that demonstrate mutual consent and public representation.
  3. Estate Planning – Update wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations to reflect the legal realities of your relationship.
  4. Financial Planning – Review joint accounts, debts, and property ownership to prevent disputes.

     

We provide comprehensive counsel for all aspects of common law marriage, helping clients understand their rights, navigate disputes, and achieve favorable outcomes.

We are located at 4390 N. Academy Blvd, Suite 101B Colorado Springs Colorado 80918. 

Intake call hours are 24 hours a day 

Phone 719-600-2344

 Email: intake@divorce-matters.com

FAQ

1. What qualifies as a common law marriage in Colorado Springs?

In Colorado Springs, a common law marriage is legally recognized when a couple mutually agrees they are married and presents themselves to others as spouses. This may include sharing a last name, filing joint taxes, co-owning property, or referring to each other as husband and wife. Simply living together—even for many years—does not automatically create a common law marriage. At Divorce Matters, our Colorado Springs divorce attorneys help determine whether a common law marriage legally exists and what rights may apply.

Yes. Colorado is one of the few states that still recognizes common law marriage, including in Colorado Springs. Once established, a common law marriage carries the same legal rights and obligations as a traditional marriage, including property division, spousal support, and inheritance. Ending a common law marriage requires a formal divorce process, and Divorce Matters can guide you through every step.

Colorado courts evaluate several factors to determine whether a common law marriage exists, such as shared finances, joint property ownership, beneficiary designations, and public acknowledgment of the relationship as a marriage. No single factor is decisive. Because these cases can be complex, working with an experienced Colorado Springs family law attorney at Divorce Matters is essential to protect your legal rights.

A common law marriage can only be ended through a legal divorce, just like a ceremonial marriage. This means issues such as asset division, debts, spousal maintenance, and child custody must be resolved through the court. Divorce Matters has extensive experience handling common law marriage divorces in Colorado Springs and can help ensure a fair outcome.

Common law marriage disputes often involve contested evidence and significant financial consequences. Whether you are trying to prove a marriage exists or defend against a claim, having skilled legal representation is critical. Divorce Matters provides knowledgeable, compassionate representation in Colorado Springs to help clients navigate common law marriage issues with confidence.