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Common Law Marriage Your Premier Colorado Attorneys

Colorado Common Law Marriage Attorney

In Colorado, a common law marriage legally recognizes a union without a formal ceremony or marriage license. Couples may be considered married if they mutually agree to the union and present themselves as spouses to the public. This unique facet of Colorado law can create questions about rights, responsibilities, and legal status. 

Peek Goldstone can assist with common law marriages. We can help couples understand their rights under Colorado Law. Our team provides clarity and guidance, allowing you to address your circumstances with confidence.

To meet with our legal team about establishing a common law marriage, call us today at (970) 352-8611.

Explaining Common Law Marriage

Common law marriage in Colorado is based on the intent of the parties to enter into a common law marriage. For a relationship to  be recognized as a common law marriage, the Court will look at a wide variety of factors including, but not limited to:

  • Using the same last name
  • Referring to each other as spouses in public
  • Sharing finances, like joint bank accounts and property
  • Residing together 

Essentially, how others view the couple is part of whether common law marriage is legitimate.

Legal Implications of Common Law Marriage

In Colorado, a common law marriage carries the same legal weight as a formal marriage. It comes with the same rights and responsibilities. Common law marriage often requires subsequent legal proceedings to establish or dissolve the relationship formally.

When a common law marriage ends, couples must divide property the same as they would in a formal marriage. Assets acquired during the relationship, such as homes, vehicles, or shared investments, fall within the scope of marital property. Colorado courts follow equitable distribution principles, dividing these assets fairly based on contributions, financial circumstances, and other relevant factors. Couples must also handle debt accumulated throughout the relationship.

Without formal marriage documentation, disputes over property ownership may become challenging, requiring parties to present evidence of joint efforts and intentions.

When children are involved, custody and parenting decisions depend on the best interests of the child. Both parents in a common law marriage retain the same legal rights and responsibilities as those in a licensed marriage. 

Courts evaluate factors such as parenting capabilities, emotional bonds, and stability when determining custody arrangements. Legal rights to visitation or joint custody hinge on the court’s assessment of the child’s overall welfare. 

Courts may award spousal support, or alimony, when a common law marriage dissolves. Alimony is almost certain if one partner depends on the other financially. Factors influencing support include the duration of the relationship, the financial standing of each party, and their contributions to the household. 

Support agreements aim to address imbalanced financial outcomes from the separation, and they consider each partner's capacity to become independent. 

How Peek Goldstone Can Help

Our team can help you determine the legitimacy of your common law marriage. We can carefully examine your situation, considering the legal requirements and necessary evidence to clarify your marital status.

 

When dissolving a common law marriage, we handle the complexities of the process with precision. We work to protect your interests while navigating the legal procedures required. Our team approaches every aspect with care, and we can help resolve disputes.

Property division and financial matters can feel overwhelming, but we provide comprehensive support during these discussions. We can help identify jointly owned assets and address debts and contributions to the household. Our approach focuses on fairness and practicality. 

Our team is here to help solidify your common law marriage, and we can step in to dissolve the marriage if necessary. You can schedule time with our Colorado team online today.

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    At Peek Goldstone, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

      "Amanda didn’t flinch and was willing to get right into working for me."
      I had gone to numerous other divorce/child custody lawyers and they were intimidated by the judge and my ex-wife's attorney. Some attorneys even said they couldn’t help me. Amanda didn’t flinch and was willing to get right into working for me.
      - Jason
      "I could not have asked for better representation."

      Came to Scott with a very difficult case where opposing party already had a few victories thanks to another attorney I hired that did not do so great and I needed them reversed.

      Scott diligently set out to get them corrected. One by one they all fell. All the while he was VERY good at keeping me informed of the process and ensuring that he was going after just what I wanted. I could not have asked for better representation.

      - John
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      Monique handled my divorce with class! Everything went smoothly and was final at the 91 day mark. I strongly recommend using Peek Goldstone!
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      Laura helped us to get wills and power of attorney documents created. She made the process smooth, painless and explained it all really well! She is knowledgeable and kind!
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      "So glad to have met them both"
      Brian Klein and Brie Garhart were just outstanding with my case. Throughout the process they listened to my concerns and worked hard to get the outcome that was more than satisfactory for me. They were with me all the way calming my fears and at the end celebrating the outcome. So glad to have met them both and to have had the opportunity for them to work on my case and I call them friends.
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      Monique did an amazing job representing me throughout my case. She understood exactly what I wanted/needed to resolve my case. She took the time to explain all possible outcomes, even the ones not favorable to me in order to prepare me for whatever might happen in court. Monique did a fantastic job and would highly recommend her for your legal needs. The entire office staff were friendly and helpful. They were very responsive when I contacted them referencing my case.
      - Shana
      "Brian Klein and Brie Garhart were just outstanding"
      Brian Klein and Brie Garhart were just outstanding with my case. Throughout the process they listened to my concerns and worked hard to get the outcome that was more than satisfactory for me. They were with me all the way calming my fears and at the end celebrating the outcome. So glad to have met them both and to have had the opportunity for them to work on my case and I now call them friends.
      - Dan A.
      "attorney Brian Klein and paralegal Brienna Garhart came to our rescue"
      In our great time of need, attorney Brian Klein and paralegal Brienna Garhart came to our rescue. We live in Kansas and our son that lived in Colorado was arrested. We didn't know who to call for an attorney for him. We are originally from the Greeley area. Looking at the law firms the name Peek seemed familiar, we gave them a call. We were put in touch with Brian and Brie, who started helping us right away. My son has a learning and communication disorder that can be challenging to deal with sometimes. Brian and Brie were very patient with my son. They made sure that he understood what was happening and what they were wanting to do to help him. Both of them stayed in contact with my son and me keeping us up to date. They were also just a text away if we needed to talk to them. It was not just 8 to 5 for Brian he would contact us first thing in the morning or in the evening if he was needing something. I do not believe that another attorney would have put in the extra time and effort that Brian and Brie did to help my son. Brian is a really great attorney and individual. He is very dedicated and passionate about his work and the quality of his work. Brie's experience and knowledge makes her an exceptional paralegal. The two of them working together make an excellent defense team.
      - Paul D.