Virginia legislation doesn’t acknowledge the institution of widespread legislation marriage inside the state’s borders. Which means whatever the period a pair resides collectively or presents themselves as married, the state of Virginia is not going to legally contemplate them married until they’ve obtained a sound marriage license and solemnized their union in keeping with state statutes. This contrasts with another jurisdictions that enable a wedding to be acknowledged primarily based on cohabitation and public presentation as husband and spouse, supplied particular standards are met.
The historic context reveals that whereas Virginia as soon as acknowledged widespread legislation marriage, it abolished the apply in 1785. This choice stems from a need to determine a extra formal and verifiable system for documenting marital unions. Consequently, the authorized advantages and protections afforded to married {couples} in Virginia, resembling inheritance rights, spousal advantages, and equitable distribution of property within the occasion of divorce, are unavailable to {couples} who haven’t formally married, regardless of the size of their relationship. This authorized framework goals to supply readability and forestall potential disputes concerning marital standing.