What are the laws in Colorado for marriage?

Colorado has recognized common law marriage as legal and binding since 1877 and is 1 of 12 states to do so. A common law marriage is established when the parties mutually consent to be husband and wife. Common law marriage does not require any license, ceremony or documentation to be legal.

How long does a couple have to be together to be considered married in Colorado?

There is no minimum length of time required to establish a common law marriage. Living together and having the mutual intent to be married is enough in Colorado. Because we cannot know what a person was thinking, it can be tricky when one person denies they intended to be married.

How long do you have to live together in Colorado to be common law married?

How long do we have to live together to have a common-law marriage? There is no time requirement for establishing a common law marriage in Colorado. A common law marriage could possibly be valid after one day. Or you could live together with your boyfriend/girlfriend for decades but not be common-law married.

How does marriage work in Colorado?

Colorado State Law requires that both parties schedule an online or in-person marriage or civil union appointment. Both parties must also be in the state of Colorado, in the same room at the same time for their appointment.

Is Colorado a spousal state?

Colorado is a marital property state, not “community property”. That means that the assets and debts acquired during marriage (i.e. the marital estate) should be divided equitably between the spouses upon dissolution of marriage, legal separation or annulment.

What qualifies as a domestic partner in Colorado?

Domestic partners are two people who have signed an affidavit swearing that they are: Are in a relationship of mutual support, caring, and commitment and intend to remain in such a relationship. Are each other’s sole domestic partner. Are both at least 18 years of age and competent to contract.

Can anyone marry you in Colorado?

According to Colorado Revised Statute 14-2-109, a marriage may be solemnized by: A judge of a court. A court magistrate. A retired judge of the court.

What does it mean to be married in Colorado?

In Colorado, a common law marriage is established by the mutual consent of two people to be married (an agreement to live together as spouses) and a mutual and open assumption of a marital relationship, meaning the couple hold themselves out to the public as being married.

Can you get married without an officiant in Colorado?

You’re allowed to self-solemnize in Colorado, meaning they don’t need the signature of an officiating party. All you have to do is walk into a County Clerk’s office with photo ID (appointment may be required), fill out some quick paperwork, and sign your names. There’s no waiting period, so you can file it right then.