If a couple moves from a common law state to one that doesn't recognize it, what happens to their marriage?

When a couple moves from a common law state to one that does not recognize common law marriages, their existing marriage remains valid. Common law marriage is recognized in certain jurisdictions based on specific criteria that demonstrate the couple's intent to be married and their cohabitation. As such, if a couple has already established a common law marriage in a state that recognizes it, that marriage is still considered legally binding and valid even after relocating to a state that does not recognize such marriages.

This principle is rooted in the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which requires states to honor the legal acts and judgments of other states. Therefore, the couple remains married despite their new location's laws surrounding marriage. Consequently, there is no automatic dissolution of their marriage, nor is there a requirement to re-register or treat their marriage as a new legal entity. The couple continues to have the same legal rights and responsibilities as they did before the move.