How To Avoid Common Law Marriage In Colorado

So, you’ve found love in Colorado—good for you! The mountains, the craft beer, the endless sunshine… it’s basically a rom-com set. But before you start picking out matching REI fleeces, let’s have a little chat about common law marriage. Spoiler: Colorado is one of the few states that still recognizes it. Think of it as the unexpected houseguest of relationship statuses—it can show up without a formal invitation.

First, the golden rule: don’t present yourselves as married. That means no calling each other “hubby” or “wifey” in public, no filing joint taxes, and definitely no telling your landlord you’re a committed couple for lease purposes. The state looks for “holding out to the public,” so if you’re wearing a ring and introducing yourselves as married, you’ve just cooked up a legal casserole you didn’t intend to eat.

Next, keep your finances separate. I know, it’s romantic to share a joint account for that dream cabin, but common law marriage loves a tangled financial web. Pay your own bills, keep separate credit cards, and if you buy a house—get a cohabitation agreement in writing. Yes, it’s unsexy. But so is accidentally being legally bound to your ex’s student loans.

Also, know that cohabitation is not enough. You can live together for thirty years, share a dog named Koda, and still not be common law married—unless you act married. So be intentionally unmarried in your actions. Make it clear with an actual written agreement. It’s like a prenup for people who aren’t even engaged—we call that smart planning.

Finally, remember: you can have all the love and commitment without the legal strings. Colorado won’t sneak a marriage into your life like a ninja—unless you let it. So hold hands, go hiking, split a burrito… just maybe don’t go filing joint taxes. Your future self will thank you with a happy dance and an empty court docket.