The Houston Texas Affidavit of Common Law Marriage is a legal document that allows couples in common law marriages to establish their relationship as legally recognized and binding. Common law marriage is a unique type of marriage that does not require a formal ceremony or a marriage license but is based on the couple's mutual agreement to be married and their cohabitation with the intention of being married. The affidavit acts as evidence of the existence of a common law marriage and can be used for various purposes, including but not limited to insurance, immigration, property division, and inheritance. It provides a legal framework to protect the rights and obligations of the individuals involved in the common law marriage. In Houston, Texas, there are a few different types of affidavits of common law marriage that can be used, depending on the specific circumstances: 1. Affidavit of Informal Marriage: This is the most common type of affidavit used to establish a common law marriage in Houston. It requires both partners to sign the document in the presence of a notary public, declaring themselves as husband and wife and affirming that they meet the legal requirements for a common law marriage. 2. Affidavit of Marriage: This affidavit is used when a couple wants to convert their common law marriage into a formal and recognized marriage. It includes additional information such as the date of the original agreement to be married and any witnesses to the relationship. 3. Affidavit of Marriage Termination: This affidavit is used when a couple in a common law marriage decides to end their relationship. It serves as a legal document to terminate the common law marriage, similar to a divorce decree in formal marriages. It is important to note that the requirements for a common law marriage in Houston, Texas, can differ from those in other states. In Houston, the key requirements for a common law marriage include the couple living together as spouses, presenting themselves as married to others, and having the intention to be married. The affidavits mentioned above help establish these criteria and provide legal proof of the common law marriage. Consulting with an attorney familiar with Texas family law is recommended to ensure that the correct affidavit is used and that all legal requirements are met when attempting to establish or terminate a common law marriage in Houston.