For some back story on this rant. My father was killed and our family is suing the people responsible. He died without a will. His live in girlfriend has hired a lawyer claiming they were common law married and therefore his estate (including whatever we win in the lawsuit) belongs to her. The audacity of this lady to even pull a stunt like this when we're all grieving and trying to get justice is mind blowing, but what really sticks in my craw is the sickening idea that in ass backwards Texas, she could very well get away with it.
So I got to thinking about what common law marriage really is. It's ludacris. In fact, only 10 states still allow common law marriage (and they're run by stupid people) so I know I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.
How do you get common law married in the ass backwards state of Texas? You tell someone you live with a person and use his name once. That's it. In other words, I am now married to George Clooney because I am telling you that I live with him and my last name is now Clooney. Does that seem legitimate to you because I doubt it would to George Clooney. Why is it so easy to claim a marriage? If that's really all it takes to be married, is there any point to get a license? What's the point in fighting for marriage equality if all you have to do to be married is pretend you are? Congrats, gay people, you've had the right to be married for years and didn't even know it!
Let's be honest about where the idea for common law marriage came from. It's an excuse. It's a desperate attempt by the religious set to morally justify living in sin. It's a way to scam the government come tax time. It's a scheme by a criminal to steal property that isn't hers.
If you don't have a ring, you're not entitled to a thing. I'm sorry, but cohabitation (no matter how long) doesn't make you married. Having kids together doesn't make you married (my father didn't have any with this woman). Using someone's name (after they die, as in my case) doesn't make you married.
A legal marriage involves a commitment from both parties put in writing and notarized by the state. It does NOT involve faking a marriage especially after the person has died and can't contradict you.
Pay attention. If you didn't ask the state for a legal marriage license, YOU ARE NOT MARRIED. End of.
