Common Law Married? There’s Only 1 Sad Reason to Move to Illinois

How happy are you in your relationship? I don't mean to intrude, but the reason I ask is if you're common law married, there's something you need to know if you're thinking about moving to Illinois. There's only one (rather awkward) reason to do it.

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If you're new to the concept of common law marriage, Wikipedia defines it as "a legal marriage despite non-compliance with the requirements for a statutory marriage" which adds yet another detail saying "one considered valid by both partners, but not formally recorded with a state or religious registry". In short, you're married if you've been together long enough without going to a justice-of-the-peace or having a church ceremony. In many places where it's recognized, that's 7 years.

What if you're common law married in another state and want to move to Illinois?

Illinois Legal Aid has some bad news (for most) about common law marriages coming to the Land of Lincoln. Illinois does NOT recognize common law marriages in the state or by others. In addition, they say that Illinois says your "marriage also has to be “solemnized” by somebody authorized by the State of Illinois".

So, the only reason to move to Illinois if you're a part of a common law marriage is if you want to break up. (*awkward silence*)

I would like to add my own 2 cents that coming to Illinois as a way to break up with your significant other might just qualify as one of the worst relationship things ever. I'm not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV, but pass along this info as I found it a very interesting twist to the common law marriage question pertaining to Illinois.