Okmulgee Common Law Marriage Lawyer

Okmulgee Common Law Marriage Attorney

For those who wish to enjoy the legal and financial benefits of a legal marriage without facing wedding expenses, common law marriage can be the perfect fit. If you and your partner have decided that it is time to prove your common law marriage to the state of Oklahoma, hiring an Okmulgee common law marriage lawyer can be crucial for successfully doing so.

At Eagan Law Office, PLLC, you will find a lawyer who can take on your case. Your attorney can take the time to explain complicated legal terminology while guiding you throughout the process. With their assistance, you can establish your common law marriage. When the task becomes overwhelming, you can trust your lawyer to cut through the confusion and provide strong advice for your case.

What Qualifies as a Common Law Marriage in Oklahoma?

Only nine out of all 50 states recognize common law marriages, and Oklahoma is one of them. To have a common law marriage, a couple must first live together for a certain time. Additionally, they must have never had a wedding ceremony or obtained a marriage license. With the help of an Okmulgee common law marriage lawyer, you can better understand if your relationship qualifies. If it does, they can show you how to prove your common law marriage.

While states that permit common law marriages may not have certain statutes surrounding the practice, there are conditions a couple must meet. In Oklahoma, these are as follows:

• They have the legal capacity to be married.
• They are not married already.
• They are of the legal marrying age of 18 (or 16 with the permission of a legal guardian or parent).
• They mutually agree to be married to one another.
• They are not married to or dating anyone else and commit to a “permanent” relationship.
• They live together as spouses.
• They publicly present themselves as a married couple.

If you meet these requirements, you and your Okmulgee common law marriage lawyer can then work on proving the common law marriage.

Proving Your Common Law Marriage in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, you must present evidence before a judge that supports your common law union. It is a good idea to gather as much evidence as you can, as that can build a compelling case for your common law marriage. Here are some examples of what may be considered convincing evidence:

• A written agreement or document that is signed by both parties and expresses your intention to marry.
• Affidavits or court testimony from both you and your partner.
• Affidavits or testimony from family, friends, or neighbors expressing that they understand your relationship, therefore indicating that your community recognizes you as a married couple.
• Financial documents from joint credit and/or bank accounts.
• Joint tax returns that you filed as a married couple.
• Legal documents, such as leases, mortgage papers, and/or deeds that show joint ownership of property.
• Insurance, retirement, employment, and/or other benefit forms or policies that list your partner as your spouse.
• School records, religious documents, and/or birth certificates that identify both partners as the parents of a child.
• Records indicating that you, your partner, and/or your children use either your or your partner’s last name as your own.

Once you and your Okmulgee common law marriage lawyer have gathered the necessary evidence, your lawyer can present your case on your behalf. This may take place at the Okmulgee County Courthouse or a tribal law court, depending on your situation. Your attorney can share the legal burden with you, allowing you and your partner to focus on what really matters: your relationship.

FAQs

Q: How Long Do You Have to Be Together to Have a Common Law Marriage in Okmulgee, OK?

A: In Okmulgee, OK, there is no amount of time you and your partner are required to live together for your relationship to be recognized as a common law marriage. If you both meet the necessary requirements, you can pursue recognition of your common law marriage a day after you meet one another. Time does, however, make your argument both more compelling and convincing, and it also gives you the opportunity to collect more important evidence.

Q: How Do I Prove a Common Law Marriage in Okmulgee, OK?

A: Documentation is going to be your strongest asset when presenting evidence to prove a common law marriage.

This includes:

• Joint tax returns
• Legal documents
• Insurance benefit forms
• Your shared child’s birth certificate
• Housing documentation
• Marriage agreement documents

Your Okmulgee common marriage lawyer can also help you gather evidence and arrange it to form a compelling case. Affidavits from you, your partner, and community members, such as family and friends, can also bolster your case.

Q: How Much Does a Common Law Marriage Lawyer Cost in Oklahoma?

A: The final price of a common law marriage lawyer in Oklahoma tends to vary. This is because each situation presents its own unique variables. There are, however, some common aspects that impact your overall cost, like how long your case takes, how complex it is, and the lawyer you hire to handle your case. Eagan Law Office, PLLC, can build a case that you feel is worth every penny you may spend.

Q: Do You Need a Divorce to End a Common Law Marriage in Oklahoma?

A: Yes, once you have proven your common law marriage and it is recognized by Oklahoma, you will need a divorce if you and/or your partner decide to end your relationship. This will involve all the typical facets of a family law, marital divorce, including estate planning, property distribution, child custody, guardianship, as well as spousal and child support if necessary. You will need to have the divorce finalized before you are considered unmarried by Oklahoma state law.

Get More Information Today

While it can seem overwhelming to try proving your common law marriage, you do not have to do so alone. The lawyer at Eagan Law Office, PLLC, can explain the process of proving common law marriages, collect the evidence to do so, and present it before the relevant officials. Our firm can work hard to pursue your desired outcomes. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.