Extract Data From Legal Ohio Wedding Planning Forms For Free

The fact is, no matter how long you've been together or apart ? seven years or longer ? you still need to be officially married or divorced in the eyes of the State of Ohio for those marriages or divorces to be legal and binding.

The State of Ohio will recognize a common law marriage when all of the elements of such a marriage are present. First, there must be a contract to marry per verba de praesenti; that is, the parties must have a present intent to be married and not an intent to marry in the future.

After your officiant has confirmed that your marriage was solemnized by returning your signed license, you may order certified marriage abstracts (the record of your marriage). Abstracts may be obtained in person without an appointment, or ordered online or via regular USPS.

Until October 1991, Ohio recognized the formation of common law marriages, and the courts required specific factors to establish a valid common law marriage. Since October 1991, parties who wish their marriage to be recognized by the state have been required to obtain a marriage certificate.

Marriage and divorce records are NOT maintained by the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Certified copies of marriage licenses and divorce decrees can only be obtained from the county where the event was recorded. Marriage certificate copies can be obtained from the specific county probate court.

Under Ohio law (Ohio Statute § 3105.12), the state prohibited the recognition of common-law marriage starting on October 10th, 1991. If you and your partner entered a relationship in Ohio after October of 1991, you are not married. The state only recognizes formal marriages.