Dissolution Of Common Law Marriages

The end of a marriage is painful whether you have a marriage certificate or have lived as life partners. Colorado is one of nine states in America that still recognize common law marriages. In many ways, the dissolution of a common law marriage is similar to the end of a traditional divorce. In other ways, a common law marriage poses unique challenge for clients seeking divorce or dissolution.

At Front Range Family Law, we have extensive experience helping individuals navigate the end of a common law marriage. Founding attorney Rebecca Gumaer has the in-depth experience and understanding of Colorado family law necessary to represent and defend our clients’ interests.

Clients in common law marriages have the same concerns as clients in traditional marriages. Attorney Gumaer assists clients with dividing marital property, determining child support and custody, and assessing alimony. The first step is establishing that you have a common law marriage. If a common law marriage exists, Colorado law requires clients to seek a statutory divorce to formally end their marriage.

How Do I Know I Have A Common Law Marriage?

In Colorado, determining whether a client has lived in a common law marriage is a tricky endeavor. The courts consider multiple factors in deciding how to categorize your relationship. Ms. Gumaer evaluates our clients’ relationships to determine how to build a case that a common law marriage exists or how to build a case to challenge the common law marriage.

Ms. Gumaer’s flexibility and command of Colorado family law are critical to our firm’s success in adapting to each client’s family law concerns. Regardless of how you define a successful outcome, we are prepared to provide you with the best possible legal representation.

Colorado courts consider several factors when a couple has a common law marriage, including:

  • Co-owning real property
  • Joint bank accounts
  • Joint titles to motor vehicles
  • Same last name
  • Presence or absence of wedding rings
  • Children
  • Joint taxes

The courts look at many factors in addition to those listed above. All of the circumstances surrounding your relationship are important. Only an individual evaluation of your specific case by a skilled attorney can reveal the lack or existence of a common law marriage.

Contact Us For The Answers You Need

To figure out your rights and obligations under a common law marriage in Jefferson County, call 303-416-8505 or email the office for a free consultation.