do we have to file for a divorce?
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do we have to file for a divorce?
Me and my partner have been together for almost 10 years. We never ‘legally’ got
married but have lived together since 2008, and have 2 children together.
Asked on September 8, 2017 under Family Law, Alabama
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
In AL, you can be considered to be married if if no formal cereminy was conducted. If you meet the criteria for "common law" marriage, then you are legally married and will be treated as a married couple, including the requirement that you get a legal divorce in order to end the relationship. In order to have a valid common law marriage, however, there are 3 requirements that must have been met: the couple must have: (1) intended to be married (even if no formal marriage took place), (2) lived together for a significant period of time, and (3) must have held themselves out as a married couple (e.g. referred to the other as their spouse, etc.). Depending onthe specific sutution then, you may or may not be "married". At this point, if you need further information you should consult directly with a local divorce attorney.
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