Why get married? Marriage vs. Common-law

[BeautifulBridetoBe]

Hey ladies:

 

Well, we are all brides-to-be or newly wed so we have made the decision to get married.

 

In today's society, marriage rates are crumbling and common-law relationships are sky rocketing. Many say that they are one in the same.

 

My question to you is: do you see a difference? And if so, what is it?

 

I already know what I think....just wondering what your thoughts are.

 

Let's talk!

 

BB2B

[Duchess]

Illinois doesnt recognize common law, so to be married, you actually have to get married! I think the difference in my mind is that marriage means declaring your committment to the world, versus just staying in a relationship until someone else determines that your married.

 

I lived with a guy for years and we were engaged but I couldnt bring myself to marry him. If it were common law, it would just be, and it wasnt right, just convenient. So peoples situations would make the difference, but I always want to have a love that is powerful enough to declare to world!

[Kelly C]

Missouri doesn't recognize it either...

[BeautifulBridetoBe]

That's interesting.

 

In Ontario, to be legally recognized you must cohabit in a conjugal relationship for 1 year.

[Kelly C]

In some states its 7 years.

[katedoeseurope]

Well I am currently in a common-law relationship (we have been living together for 2.5 years) but we are still planning a wedding. We met overseas and decided to move to Canada so we had to declare ourselves common-law for me to sponsor him. We were still planning to get married but didn't want to just do a quickie wedding for legal reasons. Not very romantic!

[Inked1]

NH's common law only applies to those who have been cohabiting for a period of 3 or more years and acknowledge each other as husband and wife/are reputed as such. Even then it only applies after one partner dies.

 

So I suppose that is the legal reason for marriage vs. common law here in NH. Other than that, it's a commitment and a promise to build a life together no matter how hard it may sometimes get

[Inked1]

NH's common law only applies to those who have been cohabiting for a period of 3 or more years and acknowledge each other as husband and wife/are reputed as such. Even then it only applies after one partner dies.

 

So I suppose that is the legal reason for marriage vs. common law here in NH. Other than that, it's a commitment and a promise to build a life together no matter how hard it may sometimes get

[Cattie]

NJ doesn't recognize common law either. If not we would have been years ago!! Since we've only owned our own home for the past 7.5 years!!

 

I'd rather have it official though. Plus I can't wait to be in Bermuda!!!

[IslamoradaBride]

Georgia doesn't recognize common-law either, so we definitely have to make it legal. I've always wanted a big party anyhow!