Alabama says Marriage = Saying "I do!"

The New Year means no more “common law” marriages in Alabama. The state will not recognize new common-law marriages beginning January first. Common-law marriages already in effect will continue to be recognized. That kind of marriage refers to couples who live together as a married couple, but who haven't gotten a state marriage license. Lawmakers voted earlier this year to prohibit the recognition of new common-law marriages. An appellate judge last year urged lawmakers to make the change.