Only about 15 states recognize common law marriage and Texas is one of them. The laws in Texas require only that a couple consider themselves married, present themselves as a husband and wife or file a joint tax return as well as live together in the state of Texas – and they are considered husband and wife under the rules governing common law marriage. Challenging the Law The laws are being challenged by a mother in Oregon who wants her son’s remains to be returned to Oregon for burial. His common law wife wants him to be buried near her … Continue reading →