Section 14.23 Proof of Common-Law Marriages

• Library: Sources of Proof (2014 Ed.)

F. (§14.23) Proof of Common-Law Marriages

Before 1921, common-law marriages were recognized in Missouri. In that year, an amending statute was enacted declaring that thereafter, common-law marriages attempted in Missouri would be null and void. See § 451.040.5, RSMo, as amended by S.B. 796, 97^th Gen. Assembly, 2^nd Reg. Sess. (Mo. 2014). Common-law marriages entered into before the 1921 amendment were unaffected. Randazzo v. Randazzo, 236 S.W. 1061 (Mo. App. E.D. 1922). The effective date of the amendment was March 31, 1921. Thomson v. Thomson, 163 S.W.2d 792 (Mo. App. W.D. 1942).

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