SB427 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Common law marriage, abolished, on or after January 1, 2017, prior marriages recognized

Summary

SB427 would stop people from forming common-law marriages in Alabama after January 1, 2017, while keeping valid common-law marriages that were entered into before that date.

What This Bill Does

It abolishes entering into new common-law marriages on or after January 1, 2017. It preserves and recognizes as valid any common-law marriage that was entered into before January 1, 2017. The measure takes effect on January 1, 2017.

Who It Affects

• People who might want to enter into a common-law marriage after January 1, 2017 would no longer be able to do so in Alabama (they would need a formal marriage).
• People who already have a common-law marriage established before January 1, 2017 would continue to have their marriage recognized as valid.

Key Provisions

• No common-law marriages may be entered into in Alabama on or after January 1, 2017.
• An otherwise valid common-law marriage entered into before January 1, 2017 shall continue to be valid.
• The act becomes effective January 1, 2017.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Marriage