Does Georgia have common-law marriage?
Yes. In Georgia, common law marriages that were created before January 1, 1997 are recognized. If you met Georgia’s criteria for common law marriage before January 1, 1997, then you are legally married and you will be treated as a married couple for legal purposes, including the requirement that you get a legal divorce in order to end your relationship. In order to have a valid common law marriage, a couple must have intended to be married, must have lived together for a significant period of time, and must have held themselves out as a married couple. If you need more information about common law marriage in Georgia, consult an attorney.
