Bill > H3565

This bill aims to recognize and accept common law marriages in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Under the proposed law, persons who have cohabitated and acknowledged each other as husband and wife for at least two years would be deemed to have a legally valid common law marriage. The bill includes provisions for the requirements to establish a common law marriage, such as being at least 18 years old, residing in the Commonwealth, and holding themselves out as a married couple. Additionally, the bill includes specific provisions for veterans and individuals with disabilities, allowing their common law partnerships prior to the enactment of this law to be recognized as full marriages. The bill also outlines the legal procedures for terminating a common law marriage, should the parties choose to separate.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H3565