FAMILY LAW FAQ

[Common-law marriage or common law marriage] All U.S. jurisdictions recognize common-law marriages where they have been validly contracted in another jurisdiction that still permits the common law contract of a marriage. Only a dozen jurisdictions, however, still permit marriages to be contracted in this way. They are: Alabama (AL), Colorado (CO), the District of Columbia […]

Community property is defined as property owned by a husband and wife residing in a community property state. Because of their marital status, both husband and wife have an undivided one-half interest in the community property. There are nine community property states: Arizona (AZ), California (CA), Idaho (ID), Louisiana (LA), Nevada (NV), New Mexico (NM), […]

It is always preferable to have a will. A will states your preference as to the disposition of your estate. A will can and should be changed as your circumstances and preferences change. Even if you take measures to avoid probate, you should have a will as a back-up. A person who dies with a […]