Virginia regulation doesn’t acknowledge the institution of widespread regulation marriage inside the state’s borders. Which means whatever the length a pair resides collectively or presents themselves as married, the state of Virginia won’t legally think about them married except they’ve obtained a legitimate marriage license and solemnized their union in accordance with state statutes. This contrasts with another jurisdictions that permit a wedding to be acknowledged primarily based on cohabitation and public presentation as husband and spouse, supplied particular standards are met.
The historic context reveals that whereas Virginia as soon as acknowledged widespread regulation marriage, it abolished the follow in 1785. This choice stems from a need to ascertain a extra formal and verifiable system for documenting marital unions. Consequently, the authorized advantages and protections afforded to married {couples} in Virginia, comparable to inheritance rights, spousal advantages, and equitable distribution of property within the occasion of divorce, are unavailable to {couples} who haven’t formally married, no matter the size of their relationship. This authorized framework goals to supply readability and stop potential disputes concerning marital standing.
