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Simple English definitions for legal terms
common-law wife
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A quick definition of common-law wife:
A common-law wife is a woman who is in a relationship with a man and they live together as if they are married, but they have not gone through a formal marriage ceremony. This type of relationship is recognized in some places as a legal marriage, even though it is not officially registered.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: A common-law wife is a woman who is in an informal marriage with a man and presents herself to the community as being married to him.
For example, if a couple has been living together for a long time and considers themselves to be married, even though they never had a formal wedding or obtained a marriage license, the woman may be referred to as the man's common-law wife.
It is important to note that common-law marriage laws vary by state and country, and not all jurisdictions recognize common-law marriages.
Overall, a common-law wife is a woman who is in a long-term relationship with a man and is considered to be his partner, even though they may not have gone through the formal process of getting married.