Jim and Lara, a couple, have lived together for a period of 10 years.Most of their friends and families consider their relationship as socially acceptable.They also file a joint tax return.However, they do not have a marriage license nor have they been married by an authorized official.This is an example of a ________.
A) open marriage
B) common-law marriage
C) ceremonial marriage
D) procedural marriage

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The situation described in the scenario is an example of a common-law marriage. A common-law marriage is a type of marriage that is recognized in some jurisdictions, in which a couple is considered married after living together for a certain period of time and holding themselves out as a married couple, even if they have not had a formal marriage ceremony or obtained a marriage license. The requirements for a common-law marriage vary depending on the jurisdiction, but generally, the couple must live together for a certain period of time (usually several years) and hold themselves out as a married couple (for example, by using the same last name, filing joint tax returns, or referring to each other as spouses). In some jurisdictions, common-law marriages are no longer recognized, while in others they are recognized with certain requirements.

Jim and Lara, a Couple, Have Lived Together for a Period