Divorcing in an Informal Marriage? Speak to a Lawyer for Common Law Marriage
Even If the Wedding Wasn’t Formal, the Separation Can Be Fair
Common law marriage – also called an informal marriage – is legally recognized in Texas. But proving it can be complicated, especially when divorce is in question. If you’re separating from your partner and are unsure whether your relationship falls into the category of a common law marriage, it is crucial to understand how divorce laws apply to your case. Without a formal marriage certificate, your rights to property, support, and even custody may be at stake. A knowledgeable lawyer for common law marriage can help you navigate this complex situation and ensure a fair outcome.
At Clark Law Group, we don’t treat common law divorces like standard cases – because they aren’t. These situations often require proving the existence of the marriage even before beginning the divorce process, which adds extra layers of complexity. With the help of our common law marriage lawyer for divorce, your rights will be protected and your separation will be handled with fairness.
OR
Call to discuss your case

Here are some common divorce issues in informal marriages
Property Division
In Texas, any property acquired during the marriage is considered shared and subject to division. The tricky part? If there is a disagreement about when the marriage began, property division can get very complicated.
Spousal Support
Just like any other divorce, a common law marriage divorce also includes spousal support. This often applies in cases where there is a big income gap or if one partner sacrificed their career for the other. A common law marriage attorney can help navigate this clearly.
Child Custody
When kids are involved, one of the biggest decisions is where they will live and how parenting time will be shared. The parents’ goal should always be to create a stable and balanced arrangement that puts the child’s well-being above everything else.
Child Support
Raising children comes with financial responsibilities, too. Whether it is covering school fees or day-to-day expenses, child support ensures that parents contribute fairly. Depending on custody arrangements, an attorney for common law marriage can help establish a fair support agreement.
Healthcare Coverage
If one of the spouses derived health insurance benefits during the relationship from the other’s policy, divorce means they will lose this coverage. When deciding to part ways, it is important to plan ahead and look for new insurance options to avoid any gaps in healthcare.
Retirement & Pensions
Money saved for retirement doesn’t always belong to any one spouse in the marriage. If retirement accounts or pensions were built during the marriage, they might need to be fairly divided during the divorce process, just like other shared assets.
Proving a Common Law Marriage: Key Legal Criteria
Here are the requirements couples need to meet for their relationship to be considered a common law marriage in Texas:
Both partners have agreed to be married.
The couple has lived together as spouses in Texas.
The couple presented themselves as being married to the public.
Do you need to stay together for a specific time before declaring to be in a common law marriage?
There is no standard number of years used to coordinate a common law marriage in Texas.
To establish a common law marriage, a couple must provide evidence that they meet all three requirements. The different ways to prove this include:
Joint bank accounts
Joint tax returns
Witness statements (friends and family)
We are ready to guide you every step of the way.
OR
Call to discuss your case
Legal Matters to Focus on When Ending a Common Law Marriage
Unlike formal marriages, informal ones often bring added complications during a divorce – especially because there is no formal license to refer to. From proving the existence of the marriage to determining financial support, each step can be legally complex. That’s why you need to work with an experienced common law marriage divorce lawyer.
From start to finish, we handle the legal battle, so you can focus on moving forward with your life.
OR
Call to discuss your case
client reviews

Personal Injury


Searching for the Best Common Law Divorce Lawyer? Clark Law Group is Here to Help!
Whether you need help determining if your marriage is informal or are in a dispute over asset division, common law marriage attorneys at Clark Law Group can help you. We have an excellent track record of handling such cases
Hire a lawyer for common law marriage from Clark Law Group and work together to protect your rights and plan a secure future!
OR
Call to discuss your case