In recent years, the concept of a neatly defined lifestyle has taken a backseat to a more fluid, less restricted way of life, and that doesn’t mean that there isn’t money to be made when it comes to the beauty and fashion industries. No matter how modern one’s lifestyle might be, looking great and feeling healthy are always priorities for one group or another. Think about that for a moment: Being “well” is more than a simple matter of not catching the latest bug. It’s also about looking one’s best through pro-active choices in skin care, hair care, and clothing. But how does today’s fluid lifestyle apply to something like the legal definition of marriage?
Common law marriage represents a somewhat unusual legal anomaly that has not always been clear. While most marriages are presided over by some sort of official, such as a judge, pastor, priest, or officiant, common law marriage allows the parties involved in a relationship to present themselves as married without any such officiation. Legal recognition of this type of relationship varies from state to state, and South Carolina is one of the few states where it is still recognized. South Carolina residents who have questions about does South Carolina recognize common law marriage and its effects should rely on the expertise of a divorce attorney.
Any couples from other states thinking about making their homes in South Carolina should be aware of the fact that while common law marriage may be in decline throughout the United States, it hasn’t quite gone away, and the state of South Carolina still recognizes it. The lack of a ceremony, however, does NOT mean that any couples will be able to shove off the task of obtaining a marriage license. In this state, the parties involved in a relationship are still required to procure a marriage license. In order to be viewed as married for all purposes, this type of relationship must meet the same standards that are applied to officially solemnized marriages.
As mentioned above, South Carolina law demands that the parties in agreement with pursing a common law marriage go to their local probate court and acquire a marriage license. While this doesn’t seem very modern at first glance, the honesty that is necessary to become legally married is more of a reflection of the fact that South Carolina is a conservative state where the institution of marriage is still held in high regard. This has clear implications for the couples whose relationships are treated as being equivalent to an official marriage. Couples engaged in these relationships still get to network with other married couples and could potentially receive a variety of benefits and privileges that are not commonly available to those who are not married or that have a more casual signaled of their relationship status.
Many people view their obligations and responsibilities based on the number of years they’ve spent in their current marital situations. This gives rise to a particular outlook on relationships that is essentially a version of what some call a “formal” lifestyle, in which many things are divided and allocated in accordance to a particular philosophy. This holds just as true for being single as it does for being married. Those with a formal lifestyle understand the importance of getting health insurance to cover the family and of maintaining a diverse portfolio of assets to avoid running into trouble should retirement years approach rapidly, or should some unforeseen disaster force an early foray into life as a non-working single person.
Because being well means being prepared and staying ahead of the curve, those who are on a formal lifestyle trajectory also know that their choices make a difference, and that an investment in good skincare, hair care products, or a unique signature style can pay off immensely in the long run. Given above is a compact list of just a few advantages of having the right legal framework in place, and while this may have an impact on lifestyles dedicated to the status quo, it can also affect lifestyles that have opted for a more free-spirited approach. These lifestyles often involve a deliberate choice to pursue only those things that meet the subscribe values, and this may include anything from or even other forms of association.
Where higher standards of quality are expected for anyone living a formal lifestyle, it’s easy to see that being a common law couple actually benefits the partners in a variety of ways. Instead of worrying about whether their marriage was worth saving, they can decide on where to go for a vacation together and opt for the more expensive hotel because it offers the right view that they appreciate. Overall, while it’s only natural to think about being single or living in a non-traditional relationship as the obvious alternatives to being legally married, being a common law married couple can offer even more advantages, while still being legal.
Being legally bound to someone through a common law marriage opens up previously unavailable options for those who are willing to enter such relationships. As a bonus, the couples do not have to ring up the expenses of buying wedding attire and spending large sums of money on a wedding ceremony. They can confidently set off on their journey as a couple and enjoy the same financial benefits as those married through traditional means.
South Carolina common law couples are able to enjoy all of the perks associated with being legally married, from a united front in court to having adequate rights to make life-altering decisions for each other. In a nutshell, a common law relationship allows couples to focus on being a couple without getting distracted with things like the legality of their individual decisions.
Because South Carolina recognizes common law marriages, being a couple may be considered the same as being a married couple. This means that those who have been together as a couple for several years couldn’t easily end their status just by transferring to a different state, for example. There are expectations and duties that arise for the couple regardless of whether they live in a state that recognizes common law marriage or not.
The above information gives South Carolina couples valuable information about the practical impact of being in a common law relationship. Rather than treating marriage as a formality, these couples can use this knowledge to build a future together and to invest in options that make it possible to continue enjoying their lives as individuals and as whole. From choosing the best skin care products to going for the right hairstyle, couples who are formally together have less to worry about when it comes to their planning for the future. They can invest their time and energy in working towards their goals without worrying about all of the potential setbacks of being single.
For more information on common law marriage, you can visit Wikipedia.
