questions & answers

Question: My step son live with a girl for about 17 years and he left her about year half ago . She keep on saiding they are marry . He has claim her as a dependment on his taxes at the time they was living together . She never use his last name . I just wonder of they are marry thru comman law . They don't got no home or anything . No kids . Ect !!!!

Answer: Arizona does not recognize common-law marriages created within the state. A.R.S. § 25-111 (http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/25/00111.htm&Title=25&DocType=ARS) However, Arizona does recognize common-law marriages that are validly contracted in other jurisdictions. A.R.S. § 25-112. (http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/25/00112.htm&Title=25&DocType=ARS) Validity may depend on compliance with the requirements of the place where the relationship was established. Please also note that although Arizona does not recognize common-law marriage, parties who have resided together may have remedies in contract law to receive reimbursement for property purchased together and similar claims.