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common-law marriage

noun

Definition of common-law marriage

1 :a marriage recognized in some jurisdictions and based on the parties' agreement to consider themselves married and sometimes also on their cohabitation
2 :the cohabitation of a couple even when it does not constitute a legal marriage

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First Known Use of common-law marriage

1888

Law Dictionary

common-law marriage

noun

legal Definition of common-law marriage

:a marriage that is without a ceremony and is based on the parties' agreement to consider themselves married and usually also on their cohabitation for a period and their public recognition of the marriage — compare concubinage
Note: Most jurisdictions no longer allow this type of marriage to be formed, although they may recognize such marriages formed prior to a certain date or formed in a jurisdiction that does permit common-law marriages.

Learn More about common-law marriage

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about common-law marriage

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