Practice point: New York does not recognize common-law marriages contracted within the state, pursuant to Domestic Relations Law § 11.
Students should note that a common-law marriage contracted in another state will be recognized as valid here if it is valid there.
Case: Baron v. Suissa, NY Slip Op 05495 (2d Dept. 2010)
Here is the opinion.
Tomorrow's issue: Legal malpractice.
