http://ask.metafilter.com/tags/tryingtoavoidbeinghillbilly Questions tagged with 'tryingtoavoidbeinghillbilly' at Ask MetaFilter. Sat, 01 Oct 2005 04:29:57 -0800 Sat, 01 Oct 2005 04:29:57 -0800 en-us http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 http://ask.metafilter.com/24800/Common%2Dlaw%2Dmarriage Common law marriage experiences? In the state I live, Iowa, common law marriages are legal and relatively easy to formalize from what I've read. My question is, who out there has gone the common law marriage route and what problems have you faced?<br> <br> I've read about potential downsides (a situation where you might have to "prove" the marriage existed, like in the event of a spouse dying, dealing with property, etc.), but it seems like since it's a legally accepted form of marriage, why not do it and save the $35 license fee (or more, if you are married in another state)? <br> <br> What other procedures did you have to go through, legally changing name, etc.? Some sites I've seen suggest just to go the official route to be safe... but I'd like to hear from others. tag:ask.metafilter.com,2005:site.24800 Sat, 01 Oct 2005 04:29:57 -0800 commonlawmarriage marriage tryingtoavoidbeinghillbilly Anonymous