If you were married by a common-law marriage and you move to a state that does not recognize common law marriages, you must still legally divorce in that state as if you were married ceremonially. This is due to the fact that all states recognize opposite-sex marriages from other states, including common-law marriages. If you move to another state, you are still married and must obtain a legal divorce if you decide to end the marriage. Only a number of states recognize marriage at common law. However, if you and your spouse have a common-law marriage in a state that recognizes common law marriages and you move to a state that does not recognize common law marriages, you are still legally married in that new state. Does my common-law marriage change my last name legally? A common-law marriage occurs when a couple lives together for a period of time, claims to be a husband and wife, and intends to marry. Once a de facto marriage is formed, that couple is legally treated in the same way as traditional married couples. That is, if the couple no longer wants to get married, they must file for divorce. If you are married by traditional marriage, you will receive marriage documents that are sufficient as proof of your new name. However, people who have been married by common law do not have a marriage certificate. In this case, you will need a court order documenting your name change. This documentation is useful for proving to private companies like banks that you have legally changed your name, but it is required by government agencies to change things like your government-issued ID card, passport, and Social Security card. If you are in a legally recognized marriage under the common law and you want to end the relationship, you must divorce regularly like any other ceremonially married couple.

Many spouses hire divorce lawyers because the court has to decide things like family allowances and custody, spousal support, and asset division. No, not automatically. However, anyone can change their name as long as the name change is for a legitimate and non-fraudulent purpose. If you want to change your name, simply use your new name consistently and change it for all your accounts, memberships, and identification documents. Most private companies respect name changes rather than simple use. However, with the threat of identity theft and fraud, fewer and fewer companies are willing to change your name without legal documentation of your name change. Log in or sign up (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question. You`ll also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have (or are passionate) language-related jobs.

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