Best Family Law Attorneys in Simpsonville, SC

Common law marriage allows a couple to be considered married in the eyes of the law despite never having a marriage license or wedding ceremony. South Carolina has abolished this type of marriage in the state and established rules that govern how prior common-law marriages will now be recognized. In a decision known as Stone v. Thompson, the Court declared that “from this date forward—that is, purely prospectively—parties may no longer enter into a valid marriage in South Carolina without a license.” The decision cited a number of reasons for its ruling, including how common non-marital cohabitation has become. It’s important to consider entering a formal marriage to protect your parental and financial rights. But if you were common law married before 2019 and you have questions about how that marriage or divorce may affect you, it’s time to call Attorney J. Michael Turner, Jr. and Turner Family Law. Contact us today.