What constitutes as a common law marriage in the state of Tennessee and what are the benefits of one?

I've been living with my boyfriend for two years. My dad said we were already married through common law. Is this true?What constitutes as a common law marriage in the state of Tennessee and what are the benefits of one?
Tennessee does not recognize common law marriage as a way to become married in Tennessee.





Tell Dad he's still on the hook to pay for a ceremony- which you SHOULD do to protect yourself in case you become pregnant.What constitutes as a common law marriage in the state of Tennessee and what are the benefits of one?
it should be recogized common law marriage it the same..I live with my common law husband he's termial ill..I don't abandon like you legal marriage people , which is legal and okay..these legal marriage are just like being single do what ever ...its okay!!!

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Tennessee doesn't recognize common law marriages, but many other states do. Although, acouple legally married by common law in another state is regarded as married in all states.
What is a common law marriage?





In a handful of states (listed below), heterosexual couples can become legally married without a license or ceremony. This type of marriage is called a common law marriage. Contrary to popular belief, a common law marriage is not created when two people simply live together for a certain number of years. In order to have a valid common law marriage, the couple must do all of the following:








live together for a significant period of time (not defined in any state)


hold themselves out as a married couple -- typically this means using the same last name, referring to the other as ';my husband'; or ';my wife,'; and filing a joint tax return, and


intend to be married.


When a common law marriage exists, the spouses receive the same legal treatment given to formally married couples, including the requirement that they go through a legal divorce to end the marriage





Which states recognize common law marriage?





Common law marriage is recognized only in the following states:





Alabama


Colorado


District of Columbia


Georgia (if created before 1/1/97)


Idaho (if created before 1/1/96)


Iowa


Kansas


Montana


New Hampshire (for inheritance purposes only)


Ohio (if created before 10/10/91)


Oklahoma


Pennsylvania - No longer in PA


Rhode Island


South Carolina


Texas


Utah