IF YOU ARE IN A COMMON LAW MARRIAGE FOR 16 YEARS THEN IT ENDS AND YOU GO YOURSEPARATE WAYS DO YOU STILL NEED A FORM OF DIVORCE. I LIVE IN WASHINGTON SOCIAL SECURITY RECOGNIZES COMMON LAW MARRIAGE BUT WASHINGTON DOES NOT SO IF I FIGHT AND GET THE BENEFITS AM I RESPONSIBLE FOR DEBTS HE OWNED WE WHERE TOGETHER FROM 1989 TO 2003.
Optional Information: Country relating to Question: United States State (if USA): Washington Already Tried: NOTHING
Thank you for your question.Social Security recognizes common law marriage, but only to the extent that the marriage was created in a state which recognizes common law marriage. Because Washington state does not recognize common law marriage, Social Security would not recognize your relationship as a marriage.If you live in Washington, you do not need a divorce to terminate your relationship, and the court has no jurisdiction to divorce you.
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