Naples Divorce Lawyer Russell Knight Discusses the Rules For Common Law Marriages in Florida

Naples divorce lawyer Russell Knight (https://divorceattorneynaplesfl.com/common-law-marriage-in-florida/) releases a new article explaining Florida's common law marriage rules. The lawyer mentions that not everyone who was married could register their marriage at the courthouse back in the old days. Most people would only hold a small marriage ceremony and then begin living together. These marriages are commonly known as common-law marriages.

“Common-law marriages are marriages that become legal after the couple lives like husband and wife for a long enough period of time. Common law marriages no longer exist in Florida the way they once did, but they’re not completely gone,” says the Naples divorce lawyer.

The lawyer explains that the Florida State Legislature had passed an act invalidating all common-law marriages made after January 1, 1968. This law was adopted in 2016. This law makes all marriages before 1968 valid, even though they may seem unusual these days.

Attorney Russell Knight mentions that common-law marriages are no longer allowed in Florida. A marriage license is required for anyone who wishes to marry. A marriage license is required in Florida to make the marriage valid.

Attorney Knight explains why getting a Florida marriage permit can sometimes be challenging. Both spouses must be 18 years old, according to Florida law. The law requires that both spouses must be at least 17 years of age. If the spouse is 17, the other spouse should not be younger than two years. Both spouses must complete a premarital course.

In the article, attorney Knight adds, “If an unmarried couple has a child who has lived in Florida for the last six months, they have the exact same rights vis-à-vis that child as a married couple. The unmarried couple can and will enter into a parenting plan to govern their relationship with the child just as a divorcing couple would.”

Lastly, attorney Russell Knight emphasizes the importance of having an experienced attorney when trying to validate a marriage in Florida. Having a skilled lawyer may help the client understand if their marriage is a common law marriage and whether it is still valid in Florida.

About the Law Office of Russell Knight

The Law Office of Russell Knight was established in 2009 by the family law attorney Russell D. Knight. The lawyer has always focused on family and divorce law. Russell's love for family law is demonstrated by the numerous articles personally written by the lawyer. Attorney Russell has been licensed as a lawyer in both Florida and Illinois. Contact his office today at (239) 202-0455.

Law Office of Russell Knight

1415 Panther Ln #218, Naples, FL 34109, United States

(239) 202-0455