There is common-law marriage in the District, but it has nothing to do with length of time sharing a home. (I know, I had to deal with it in the DV case.) And common-law marriage is almost always more than just living together, in any jurisdiction. People are often really misinformed about this. OP--see a lawyer. Don't move out until you see a lawyer. |
FWIW, to qualify for common law marriage, the couple has to "hold themselves out as married". The definition isn't clear and depends on the totality of the facts -- do you introduce each other publicly as wife/husband? do you wear rings? do you fill each other in as "spouse" on important paperwork? do you file joint taxes? this isn't an exclusive list, but the more ways in which you act outwardly like husband/wife, the more likely you are to be able to claim common law marriage. |
OP, have you been paying the mortgage? How? To him or to the mortgage company? Do you pay any of the utilities? I don't know, but I'd bet this may make a difference. You do need a lawyer, but I also think you and he need a good night's sleep and a conversation about the stresses of having a newborn. If you have an employee assistance program (or he does) through work, see if you can get a counselor. Infants are HARD. Maybe talk to him about just getting through the first six month and then revisiting the situation. |
We, the taxpayers, are. |