Common law marriages can present particular problems for divorcing couples, particular when one spouse denies that a marriage happened. As one veteran Pennsylvania matrimonial lawyer says the problem with common-law marriage is not making it; it is unmaking it in a divorce.

Only 10 of the 50 states still permit new common law marriages must deal with them for divorcing couples who created them earlier in other jurisdictions.

Illinois, Minnesota and Arkansas do not recognize the claims of common law marriages by New York residents.

This question of interstate recognition of claim to a husband’s pension.

See also Palimony.