Here’s How to Be Married in Missouri Without Really Being Married

I'm not a lawyer nor do I play one on TV, but I have done some research and found at least one scenario where you can be married in Missouri without really being married. Let's explore the matrimony possibilities together.

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This is a tricky issue because most people are probably aware that common law marriage is legal in many states, but Missouri is not one of them. The National Conference of State Legislatures lists the common law marriage states as Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Texas and Utah.

Note that Missouri is NOT on the list.

But, wait...there IS a way you can be married in Missouri without really being married

The Missouri Department of Social Services shared this interesting exception in their manuals and memos part of their website. It says the following:

If a common law marriage was established in another state, each partner is considered a spouse in Missouri. Common law marriages cannot be initiated in Missouri.

EXAMPLE: Edward and Ana state they are common law spouses. Their marriage began in Kansas, where common law marriages can be established. Consider them spouses for eligibility purposes.

What they're saying is you can't have a common law marriage established because you've been together for 7 years in Missouri, BUT if you've been considered part of a common law marriage established in another state, you're good to go. 

I'm not recommending you take this approach, but I am saying that if you need to be recognized as married in Missouri but aren't...you needn't give up hope. This is that part where you talk to a real lawyer and not take the word of a media personality who just did some research after he got curious.