Intent to be married Public recognition (calling each other ‘husband/wife’) Cohabitation (but no fixed time requirement!)
Alabama, Colorado, Kansas… California, Florida, New York (myth: no, living together ≠ marriage).
1. Live together + call yourselves married. File joint taxes. Introduce each other as ‘spouse
Joint bank accounts/leases. Insurance policies listing partner. Witness testimonies (friends/family).
Inheritance rights. Divorce alimony. But also: Debt liability. No prenup = messy splits!
Sign a cohabitation agreement. Avoid joint finances/titles. Clarify: ‘We’re not married
Protect assets. Define debt responsibility. Avoid court battles.