Texas community resource
Common Law Marriage Legal Information Guide
Texas State Law Library
Public guide to Texas common-law or informal marriage, legal requirements, proof, registration, and ending the relationship.
Information last checked:
How to get help
Review the guide and supporting records, obtain current declaration information from the appropriate county clerk if both partners choose to register, and consult an attorney when existence, proof, property, children, benefits, or separation is disputed. Ending an established informal marriage generally requires divorce procedures.
Who this service helps
Open to the public for research; whether an informal marriage exists depends on legal eligibility, agreement, cohabitation in Texas, representations to others, timing, and evidence.
Where this service is available
Service area: People researching informal marriage under Texas law, including couples and residents in Central Texas.
A service area describes where help is offered or who may be served. It is not necessarily the organization’s physical location.
Cost / fees
The online guide is free to use; county filing, certified-copy, court, service, and legal-service costs may apply.
About this service
The guide explains the statutory concept of marriage without formalities, identifies facts relevant to whether an informal marriage exists, and links resources concerning a declaration of informal marriage, proof, property, and divorce.
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