In Pennsylvania, there are generally two things required to get married: one is a license; the other is a ceremony. Generally, the ceremony must be conducted by clergy or civil officers empowered to administer oaths. Pennsylvania is one of the few states left that sometimes also recognizes the common law marriage. Caselaw seems to say that a male and a female must actually exchange vows to each other in the present tense, as well as hold themselves out to their community as married in order to have a common law marriage.

Contrary to many myths (i.e., the “seven year rule”) There is generally no minimum period of cohabitation to be considered married!

For more information on Prenuptial agreements and common law marriages or any other matrimonial law issue, please contact Pittsburgh Family lawyer Bethany L. Notaro, Esquire.