In Ohio, common law marriages are – by enforced law of the state – no longer a legal thing. From the mid-1800s through to just over a century later, it was common practice for “common law” couples – those who had not participated in the traditional wedding ceremony and written record – to be married by the state through legal and even medical documentation of their partnership. “Common law marriage” simply meant that those who identified themselves as a “married couple” with their close friends, family, and professional and personal communities were legally “a couple” under Ohio law. Common law marriages were deemed to exist when individuals lived together and identified themselves – through legal and other documentation such as tax returns – as “married” even if they had not signed a single piece of paper attesting to their nuptials.
In Ohio, common law marriage is no longer available as an option for would-be couples or individuals who wish to expand or affirm existing relationships. And yet, some individuals who believe that they share a “common law” relationship with someone in Ohio – because of the way they define their union – continue to ask, whether common law marriage exists in Ohio? The answer is no – there is none – thanks to the 1991 law that deemed common law marriage a thing of the past. Though questions like “is there common law marriage in Ohio” continue to be asked, the answer today is the same as it was when the 1991 law against common law marriage was passed: couples are either married in Ohio via the traditional ceremony and record-keeping format, or they are not married at all.
It may come as a surprise to some individuals and couples that common law marriage is not once again available in Ohio, but it shouldn’t. That is, as long as individuals take the time to pay attention to what is happening in the world around them. That is where common sense comes in to play, because it is known in legal circles – as well as in private conversations – that individuals who are “common law married” have no “marriage” of any sort under the eyes of the law in Ohio. That said, the 1991 act that rendered common law marriages as obsolete options for unions that fall outside of the marriage norms continues to be the law in this state.
In addition to understanding that there is no such thing as common law marriage in Ohio today, it is also essential for Ohioans to understand what marriage is – namely, that it is created by individuals who are legally able to marry one another. This means that individuals must be aware of not only their legal rights to marry but also the restrictions placed upon marriage when it comes to children or family members who might otherwise be able to marry.
As marriage is essentially entered into by way of a legal contract, individuals in Ohio must be aware that there is more to marriage than simply being able to declare that you are married. You must also take into consideration that marriage can be officially documented in a variety of ways, each with their own consideration of legality.
Take a moment to picture your favorite passenger vehicle. Its safety is the number one priority in building the vehicle and in praising the Jeep’s rugged design. Pushing ahead, we at saverone place the same measure of value on prevention and correction as our insurance on our physical safety behind the wheel. But, unlike the marriage laws in the State of Ohio and other such prevention measures, we have the luxury of objectively ensuring safety once its understood.
