San Bernardino, California, recognizes common law marriage and provides options for individuals to declare their status as common law spouses or submit a marriage declaration or affidavit. These legal instruments can help couples establish their relationship as equivalent to a formal marriage. A common law marriage is formed when a couple lives together and presents themselves to the community as married, without obtaining a marriage license or having a formal wedding ceremony. Common law spouses are treated similarly to legally married couples in various aspects, such as property rights and division, healthcare decisions, and spousal support. To validate their common law marriage or declare their relationship, individuals in San Bernardino have the following options: 1. San Bernardino Common Law Spouse Declaration: This document allows couples to formally declare themselves as common law spouses. It involves filing a written statement with the San Bernardino County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's office stating that they have met the requirements for a common law marriage. The declaration typically includes the couple's names, the duration of their relationship, and their intent to be recognized as common law spouses by the county. 2. San Bernardino Marriage Declaration: Alternatively, couples who wish to declare their relationship as a marriage, without having had a traditional ceremony or obtaining a marriage license, can utilize a marriage declaration. This document involves a similar process to the common law spouse declaration and requires couples to meet specific criteria to be eligible for a marriage declaration. 3. San Bernardino Affidavit of Common Law Marriage: In certain cases, couples may need to provide additional evidence of their common law marriage status to assert their rights. An affidavit is a sworn statement made under oath, confirming that a couple meets the criteria for a common law marriage. This document can be used to present evidence of the relationship to legal entities, such as employers, healthcare providers, or insurance companies. It is important to note that the specific requirements, processes, and forms for common law spouse declarations or marriage declarations may vary between jurisdictions or be subject to periodic updates. Therefore, it is essential to consult the San Bernardino County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's office or seek legal advice to obtain accurate and up-to-date information before taking any legal action.