What Is Common-Law Marriage in Colorado?

Common-law marriage in Colorado is a union established by two consenting and capable parties who assume all roles and benefits of a marriage relationship without any religious or formal ceremony. Existing in the country since the 19th century, common-law marriages allow couples to enter into a union without spending money on licenses or a ceremony by simply living together and holding themselves out as husband and wife to friends, family, and the community. Some of the several benefits of a common-law marriage include:

• Rights to property, alimony, or child custody rights upon divorce
• Ability to inherit
• Payment of marital debts
• Rights to insurance, worker’s compensation, or pension
• Ability to receive healthcare and Social Security benefits
• Right to tax exemptions
• Hospital and jail visitation
• Responsibility as a partner’s guardian, personal representative, or priority conservator
• Ability to adopt a spouse’s child
• Eligibility to receive family leave benefits