### J - S79039 - 18

NON - PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37 KIMBERLY L. VALENTINE,

Appellant

v. MELISSA M. WETZEL : : : : : : : : : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF

PENNSYLVANIA

No. 790 MDA 2018 Appeal from the Order Entered April 12, 2018 in the Court of Common Pleas of Adams County Civil Division at No(s): 2017 - SU - 0001093 BEFORE: SHOGAN, J., OLSON, J., and MUSMANNO, J. MEMORANDUM BY MUSMANNO, J.: FILED MARCH 12, 2019 Kimberly L. Valentine ( “ Valentine ” ) appeals from the Order declaring that the commo n law marriage, which she alleged to have taken place with Melissa M. Wetzel ( “ Wetzel ” ) , is invalid. 1 

### We affirm. In its Opinion, the trial court set forth the relevant factual history and evidence underlying the instant appeal, which we adopt as though fully restated herein. See Trial Court Opinion, 4/12/18, at 2 - 7. On October 4, 2017, Valentine filed a Complaint pursuant to sections 3301(c) and (d) of the D ivorce Code, as well as economic claims. Specifically, Valentine claimed that the parties had entered into a common law marriage

_________________ ____________________ _______ 1 

### Rule 341 provides that an appeal may be taken as of right from any final order of a lower court. Pa.R.A.P. 341(a). In relevant part, a final order is any order that disposes of all claims of all parties. Pa.R.A.P. 341(a)(1). The trial court ’ s Order disposed of all claims of all parties, and accordingly, is final and appealable.

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- 2 -

on December 25, 2003, in Frederick County, Maryland. Wetzel filed Preliminary Objections to the Complaint, claiming that in 2 003, Maryland had not yet recognized same - sex marriage. On December 4, 2017, Valentine filed an Amended Complaint, which additionally averred that the parties had entered into a common law marriage in Adams County, Pennsylvania, on December 25, 2004. Val entine asked that the trial court declare their marriage valid. 2 

### Wetzel filed Preliminary Objections to the Amended Complaint. After an evidentiary hearing, the trial court entered its April 12, 2018 Order declaring that Valentine had failed to establish , by clear and convincing evidence, a valid common law marriage. See Trial Court Order, 4/12/18. Thereafter, Valentine filed the instant timely appeal, followed by a court - ordered Pa.R.A.P. 1925(b) Concise Statement of matters complained of on appeal. V alentine presents the following claims for our review: 1. Whether the [t]rial [c]ourt abused its discretion and/or made an error of law when it concluded, against the weight of the evidence, that no common law marriage existed[?] 2. Whether the [t]rial [c]ourt abused its discretion and/or made an error of law when it concluded, against the weight of the evidence, that the evidence did not establish that the parties intended to enter into a marriage contract[?] Brief for Appellant at 4.

_________________ ____________________ _______ 2 

### See 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 3306 (allowing a party or parties to the marriage to file a declaratory judgment action seeking a declaration that the marriage is valid or inva lid).

### J - S79039 - 18

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Valentine first claims that the clear and convincing evidence established that she and Wetzel had entered into a common law marriage contract, “ and that they intended to, and indeed did, live as a married couple for approximately 13 years. ” Id. at 12. Valentine acknowl edges that the trial court “ point[ed] to contradictory accounts of the parties’ witnesses in holding that the parties had failed to “ utter present tense words sufficient to establish a marital contract. ” Id. Valentine argues, however, that this is not fa tal to her claim of a common law marriage. Id. According to Valentine, she put forth evidence that she had presented Wetzel with a ring and had asked Wetzel to “ be mine ” ; the parties purchased a home and moved to Adams County; the home was to be for thei r blended family; they purchased rings in 2004; and on December 25, 2004, they exchanged the rings and reaffirmed their intention to live as a married couple. Id. at 13 - 14. Valentine further argues that it was unreasonable for the trial court not to co nsider corroborating evidence of their common law marriage. Id. at 15. Valentine directs our attention to evidence that she and Wetzel cohabitated continuously from November 2004 until May 2017; they had a joint insurance policy for the home; they coming led their money and had joint bank accounts; they started a business together; they celebrated their anniversary every year and exchanged anniversary cards; they were jointly named on bills; Wetzel named Valentin e a beneficiary on her accounts; and each ha d executed a will designating the other as beneficiary and power - of - attorney. Id. at 15 - 16. In

### J - S79039 - 18

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addition, Valentine claims that she publicly introduced Wetzel as her “ wife, ” and the two attended social events as a married couple. Id. at 17. Finally , Valentine directs our attention to evidence that her daughter considered Wetzel to be a step - parent; Wetzel was listed on the school emergency contact card; and Wetzel attended school functions as a parent. Id. As this Court has explained, [w] hen reviewing the decision of the trial court in a declaratory judgment action, our scope of review is narrow. O ’ Brien v. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. , 455 Pa. Super. 568, 689 A.2d 254, 257 (1997). Consequently, we are limited to determining whether the trial court ’ s findings are supported by substantial evidence, whether an error of law was committed or whether the trial court abused its discretion, Walker v. Ehlinger , 544 Pa. 298, 300 n.[] 2, 676 A.2d 213, 214 n. [] 2 (1996). The test is not whether we wo uld have reached the same result on the evidence presented, but whether the trial court ’ s conclusion can reasonably be drawn from the evidence. Where the trial court ’ s factual determinations are adequately supported by the evidence we may not substitute o ur judgment for that of the trial court. Clearfield Volunteer Fire Department v. BP Oil , 412 Pa. Super. 29, 602 A.2d 877, 879 (1992), appeal denied , 531 Pa. 650, 613 A.2d 556 (1992) (citations omitted). PARC Holdings, Inc. v. Killian , 785 A.2d 106, 110 ( Pa. Super. 2001) (quoting Fred E. Young, Inc. v. Brush Mt. Sportsmen ’ s Ass ’ n , 697 A.2d 984, 987 (P a. Super. 1997) . Moreover, the

findings of the trial judge in a non - jury case must be given the same weight and effect on appeal as a verdict of a jury and will not be disturbed on appeal absent error of law or abuse of discretion. When this [C] ourt reviews the findings of the trial judge, the evidence is viewed in the light most favorable to the victorious party below and all evidence and

### J - S79039 - 18

- 5 - proper inferences favorable to that party must be taken as true and all unfavorable inferences rejected. PARC Holdings, Inc. , 785 A.2d at 110 ( citation omitt ed ) . In its Opinion, the trial court set forth the applicable law, addressed Valentine ’ s claim, and concluded that it lacks merit. See Trial Court Opinion, 4/12/18, at 7 - 12. We agree with and adopt the sound reasoning of the trial court, and affirm on t his basis with regard to Valentine ’ s claim. See id. Order affirmed. Judgment Entered. Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq. Prothonotary Date: 3/12/2019Circulated 02/14/2019 04:24 PM

I N T H E C O U R T O F C O M M O N P L E A S O F A D A M S C O U N T Y , P E N N S Y L V A N I A C I V I L K . L. V . ,

M . M . W . , P l a i n t i ff



### v . D e f e n d a n t s

O P I N I O N 2 0 1 7 - 5 - 1 0 9 3

K. L. V . ( h e r e i n a ft e r " K i mb e rl y " ) s e e k s a d e cl ar at o r y j u d g m e n t fr o m th i s C o urt t o e s t ab l i s h th at s h e an d M . M . W ( h e r e i n a ft e r " M e l i s s a " ) e s t ab l i s h e d a v a l i d c o mm o n l aw m arr i a g e o n D e c e mb e r 2 5 , 2 0 0 4 , w h i c h w ill th e n a ll o w K i mb e rl y t o p ro c e e d w i th h e r Am e n d e d C o mp l a i n t i n D i v o r c e . F o r th e r e a s o n s s t at e d b e l o w , K i mb e r l y h a s fa i l e d t o e s t ab li s h , b y cl e ar an d c o nv i n c i n g e v i d e n c e , th at th e p art i e s e n t e r e d i n t o a c o mm o n l aw m arr i a g e o n D e c e mb e r 2 5 , 2 0 0 4 . P R O C E D U RA L H I S T O R Y K i mb e rl y fi l e d a C o mp l a i nt un d e r S e c t i o n s 3 3 0 1 ( c ) an d ( d ) o f th e P e nn s y l v an i a D i v o r c e C o d e o n O c t o b e r 4 , 2 0 1 7 , a l o n g w i th r e l at e d e c o n o m i c cl a i m s . T h e p art i e s ar e th e s am e g e n d e r. I n h e r C o mp l a i nt , K i mb e rl y v e r i fi e d un d e r p e n a lty o fun s w o m fa l s i fi c at i o n th at th e p art i e s e nt e r e d i n t o a c o mm o n l aw m arr i a g e o n D e c e mb e r 2 5 , 2 0 0 3 i n F r e d e r i c k C o unty , M ary l an d . M e l i s s a fi l e d a t i m e l y P r e l i m i n ary O b j e c t i o n t o K i mb e rl y ' s C o mp l a i n t , a ll e g i n g a l a c k o f s ub j e c t m att e r j ur i s d i c t i o n , b e c au s e M ar y l an d d i d n o t r e c o g n i z e s am e - s e x m arr i a g e i n 2 0 0 3 . N o An s w e r w a s fi l e d . W i th o ut l e av e o f C o urt , K i mb e rl y s ub s e qu e ntl y fil e d an " A m e n d e d C o mp l a i n t I n

1D i v o r c e S e e k i n g D e cl arat o r y Ju d g m e n t o f C o mm o n L aw M ar r i a g e " o n D e c e mb e r 4 , 2 0 1 7 1 • I n h e r A m e n d e d C o mp l a i n t , K i mb e rl y av e rr e d a l t e rn at i v e l y th at th e p art i e s e n t e r e d i n t o a c o mm o n l aw m arr i a g e o n D e c e mb e r 2 5 , 2 0 0 4 i n A d am s C o unty , P e nn s y l v an i a , an d r e qu e s t e d th i s C o urt t o d e cl ar e th e i r m arr i a g e v a l i d , p ur s u an t t o 2 3 P a . C . S . A . § 3 3 0 6 2 . M e l i s s a fi l e d a P r e l i m i n ary O b j e c t i o n t o K i mb e rl y ' s Am e n d e d C o mp l a i n t o n Janu ary 3 , 2 0 1 8 , a g a i n a ll e g i n g l a c k o f s ub j e c t m att e r j ur i s d i c t i o n . S p e c i fi c a ll y , M e l i s s a ar g u e s th at K i mb e rl y ' s A m e n d e d C o mp l a i n t s h o u l d b e d i s m i s s e d b e c au s e n o m arr i a g e l i c e n s e h a s b e e n p ro d u c e d an d b e c au s e P e nn s y l v an i a d i d n o t r e c o g n i z e s am e - s e x m arr i a g e i n any fo rm at , i n cl u d i n g i n th e c o n t e x t o f c o mm o n l aw m arr i a g e , unt i l 2 0 1 4 . B r i e f

s w e r e t i m e l y fi l e d . K i mb e rl y s t at e d i n h e r b r i e f th at s h e " m ay c o n c e d e th at M ar y l an d d o e s n o t r e c o g n i z e c o mm o n - l aw m arr i a g e " , w h i c h w o u l d r e n d e r h e r i n i t i a l d i v o r c e c o mp l a i nt m o o t. T h i s C o urt h e l d an e v i d e nt i ar y h e ar i n g o n Janu ar

y 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 . 

### F A C T U A L B A C K G R O U N D K i mb e rl y an d M e l i s s a g r e atl y d i s p ut e th e e x t e nt o f th e i r r el at i o n s h i p an d th e e v e n t s th at tran s p i r e d d

ur i n g th e i r t i m e a s a c o u p l e . T h e y c o mm e n c e d a ro m an t i c d at i n g r e l at i o n s h i p o n o r ab o ut Au g u s t 1 5 , 2 0 0 3 . T h e y l i v e d t o g e th e r a s s am e - s e x d o m e s t i c p artn e r s i n A d am s C o unty fr o m s o m e t i m e i n l at e 2 0 0 3 / e ar l y 2 0 0 4 unt i l th e y s e p arat e d i n M ay o f 2 0 1 7 . T h e y d i d n o t o b t a i n a m arr i a g e l i c e n s e i n any s t at e a ft e r s am e - s e x m arr i a g e b e c am e l e g a ll y r e c o g n i z e d . 3 D ur i n g th e e v i d e n t i ar

y h e ar i n g K i mb e rl y t e s t i fi e d th at , o n C hr i s tm a s D ay 2 0 0 3 i n M ar y l an d , s h e g av e M e l i s s a " a s a p p h i r e an d d i am o n d r i n g an d a s k e d h e r t o b e m i n e " . T h e

1 S e e P a . R . C. P . N o . 1 0 3 3
. 2 § 3 3 0 6
. P r o c e e d i n g s t o d e t e r m i n e m a r i t a l s t a t u s . W h e n t h e v a l i d i t y o f a m a r r i a g e i s d e n i e d o r d o u b t e d , e i t h e r o r b o t h o f t h e p a rt i e s t o t h e m a r r i a g e m a y b r i n g a n a c t i o n fo r a d e cl a ra t o r y j u d g m e n t s e e k i n g a d e cl a r a t i o n o f t h e v a l i d i t y o r i n v a li d i t y o f t h e m a r r i a g e a n d , u p o n p ro o f o f t h e v a l i d i t y o r i n v a l i d i t y o f t h e m a r r i a g e , t h e m a r r i a g e s h a ll b e d e c l a r e d v a l i d o r i n v a li d b y d e c r e e o f t h e c o u rt a n d , u n l e s s r e v e rs e d u p o n a p p e a l , t h e d e cl a ra t i o n s h a ll b e c o n c l u s i v e u p o n a ll p e rs o n s c o n c e rn e d . 2 3 P a . C. S .A. § 3 3 0 6
. 3 T h e U . S
. D i s t r ic t C o u rt ' s l a n d m a r k d e ci s i o n i n W h i te w o o d v . W

o l f e ff e c t i v e l y l e g a l i z e d s a m e - s e x m a rr i a g e i n P e n n s y l v a n i a i n 2 0 1 4 . I d . , 9 9 2 F . S u p p . 2 d 4 1 0 ( M . D . P a . 2 0 1 4 )
. 2p art i e s w e r e r e s i d i n g i n s e p ar at e r e s i d e n c e s i n M ar y l an d at th at t i m e . K i mb e rl y t e s t i fi e d th at th e p art i e s a c qu i r e d r e a l e s t at e i n A d am s C o un ty i n N o v e mb e r o f 2 0 0 4 , m o v e d i n t o g e th e r , an d d e c i d e d t o e n t e r i n t o a c o mm o n l aw m arr i a g e o n D e c e mb e r 2 5 , 2 0 0 4 i n th e i r n e w h o m e . K i mb e rl y ' s t e s t i m o ny i s c o n s i s t e n t w i th h e r am e n d e d c o mp l a i nt b ut c o n tra d i c t s h e r av e rm e nt i n h e r o r i g i n a l d i v o r c e c o mp l a i n t , w h e r e i n s h e v e r i fi e d un d e r p e n a lty o fun s w o m fa l s i fi c at i o n th at th e p art i e s e s t ab l i s h e d a c o mm o n l aw m arr i a g e e x a c t l y o n e y e ar p r i o r t o th at i n M ary l an d . K i mb e rl y att e mp t e d t o r e c o n c i l e h e r v ar i o u s v e r s i o n s o f e v e n t s b y t e s t i f y i n g th at s h e an d M el i s s a w e r e e n g a g e d t o b e m arr i e d o n C hr i s tm a s D ay 2 0 0 3 an d th e n " r e - e x c h an g e d " ri n g s o n C hr i s tm a s D ay 2 0 0 4 . M e l i s s a a g r e e s th at K i mb e rl y g av e h e r th e s a p p h i r e an d d i am o n d r i n g i n D e c e mb e r o f 2 0 0 3 , b ut m a i nt a i n s th at i t w a s a C hr i s tm a s g i ft , n o t p art o f a m arr i a g e p ro p o s a l. T h e r e w e r e n o o th e r w i tn e s s e s t o v e r i f

y th e c i r c um s t an c e s s urr o un d i n g th e g i ft o fth e r i n g o n C hr i s tm a s D ay 2 0 0 3 i n M ar

y l an d . K i mb e rl y t e s t i fi e d th at M e l i s s a p ur c h a s e d w e d d i n g b an d s fo r th e m b o th i n c o n t e mp l at i o n o f m arr i a g e , an d o n C hr i s tm a s D ay 2 0 0 4 , th e s e b an d s w e r e e x c h an g e d an d v o w s w e r e p ro m i s e d b e tw e e n th e m . K i mb e rl y w o r e a b an d s ty l e r i n g d ur i n g th e h e ar i n g , b ut a c k n o w l e d g e d th at i t w a s n o t th e b an d th at M e l i s s a g av e h e r i n 2 0 0 4 . Wh e n a s k e d t o i d e nt i f y th e s p e c i fi c v e r

b i a g e o fth e v o w s , K i mb e rl y t e s t i fi e d "j u s t s o m e th i n g ab o ut l o v e an d c h e ri s h an d w e p r e tty mu c h j u s t p ut th e r i n g s o n e a c h o th e r ' s fi n g e r. " T h e r e w e r e n o w i tn e s s e s t o th i s a ll e g e d e x c h an g e , n o t e v e n K i mb e rl y ' s d au g h t e r , T . C . , w h o r e s i d e d w i th th e c o u p l e at th e t i m e . T h e e v e n t w a s n o t m e m o r i a l i z e d b y p h o t o g ra p h s o r r e c o r d i n g s . K i mb e rl y t e s t i fi e d , " W e ll , I h av e n e v e r b e e n m arr i e d , b ut I fe lt l i k e w e l i v e d a s a m arr i e d c o u p l e " a ft e r th at o c c a s i o n . I n furth e r s u

p p o rt o f h e r p o s i t i o n , K i mb e rl y p r e s e n t e d t e s t i m o ny fr o m a fr i e n d w h o m e t th e c o u p l e i n 2 0 0 8 . S h e s t at e d th at K i mb e rl y i n tro d u c e d M e l i s s a t o h e r a s h e r w i fe an d M e l i s s a

3d i d n o t o b

j e c t t o th at a

p p e ll at i o n . T h e w i tn e s s an d h e r hu s b an d s o c i a l i z e d w i th th e c o u p l e , w h o w o r e w h at a

p p e ar e d t o b e w e d d i n g r i n g s , an d s p o k e o f c o - p ar e nt i n g K i mb e rl y ' s d au g h t e r. M e l i s s a ' s p e r s p e c t i v e i s d i am e tr i c a ll y o p p o s e d t o K i mb e rl y ' s . S h e t e s t i fi e d th at th e r e w a s n e v e r an e x c h an g e o f w e d d i n g b an d s o r v o w s , an d th at C hr i s tm a s D ay 2 0 0 4 w a s n o t a d at e o f s i g n i fi c an c e t o h e r. H av i n g r e c e n t l y b e e n thr o u g h a d i f fi c u lt d i v o r c e fr o m h e r hu s b an d , s h e d i d n o t i nt e n d t o b e b o un d b y th e b o n d s o f m atr i m o ny a g a i n . S h e t e s t i fi e d th at th e p art i e s b o u g h t r i n g s fo r th e m s e l v e s , b ut n o t i n ant i c i p at i o n o f e nt e r i n g i n t o a m arr i a g e c o n tra c t. A p h o t o g ra p h o f th e c o u

p l e o n a c ru i s e i n 2 0 1 2 s h o w s M e l i s s a w e ar i n g r i n g s o n th e r i n g fi n g e r o f h e r l e ft h an d . K i mb e rl y ' s h an d s ar e o b s c ur e d . 

### P la i n t iff ' s E x h i b i t 3 . K i mb e rl y ' s d au g h t e r , T. C . , w h o l i v e d w i th th e p art i e s fo r th e m a

j o r i ty o f th e i r r e l at i o n s h i p , an d v i e w e d M e l i s s a a s h e r s t e p m o th e r , t e s t i fi e d th at h e r m o th e r g av e j e w e l r y a s a g i ft t o M e li s s a e v e r y C hr i s tm a s . T . C . c o rr o b o rat e d M e l i s s a ' s t e s t i m o ny th at th at th e p art i e s c e l e b rat e d th e i r ann i v e r s ar y i n Au g u s t , w h i c h i s th e m o n th th e y b e g an d at i n g , n o t o n th e a ll e g e d w e d d i n g d at e i n D e c e mb e r. T h i s i s furth e r c o rr o b o rat e d b y a s c r e e n s h o t o f M e l i s s a ' s fa c e b o o k p a g e i n tro d u c e d i n t o e v i d e n c e b y K i mb e rl y . 

### P la i n t iff ' s E x h i b it I . M e l i s s a ' s r e l at i o n s h i p s t at u s i s d e s i g n at e d a s " i n a d o m e s t i c p artn e r s h i p w i th [ K i mb e rl y ] s i n c e Au g u s t 1 5 , 2 0 0 3 " . T h e un d at e d ann i v e r s ar y g r e e t i n g c ar d s i ntro d

u c e d b y K i mb e rl y e v i d e n c e a l o v i n g an d c o mm i tt e d r e l at i o n s h i p b e tw e e n th e tw o p art i e s , b ut d o n o t d e n o t e a s p e c i fi c ann i v e r s ar

y d at e t o s u

p p o rt K i mb e rl y ' s p o s i t i o n a s t o th e d at e o f m arr i a g e o r th at th e p art i e s c o n s i d e r e d th e m s e l v e s m arr i e d t o o n e an o th e r. K i mb e rl y a l s o p r e s e nt e d a c o p y o f M e l i s s a ' s fath e r ' s o b i t

u ary , d at e d 2 0 1 1 , w h i c h a c kn o w l e d g e s K i mb e rl y b y n am e a s M e l i s s a ' s 

### " p artn e r ? ' . P la i n t iff ' s E x h i b i t 1 6 . Ki mb e r l y t e s t i fi e d th at s h e i n tr o d u c e d M e l i s s a t o p e o p l e " m o s t l y a s my

4 A s i n d i c a t e d i n t e s t i m o n y , p r i o r t o t h e l e g a li z a t i o n o f s a m e - s e x m a r r i a g e , i t w a s n o t u n c o m m o n fo r s a m e - s e x c o u p l e s i n c o m m i tt e d r e l a t i o n s h i p s t o r e f e r t o o n e a n o t h e r a s a " p a rt n e r " , " fr i e n d " , " d o m e s t i c p a rt n e r " , e t c . T h e u s e o f t h e s e m o n i k e rs , i n a n d o f i t s e l f, d o e s n o t a u t o m a t i c a ll y d i s c o u n t t h e p o t e n t i a l fo r t h e e x i s t e n c e o f a c o m m o n l a w m a r r i a g e . 4p artn e r " . I n h i s d urab l e h e a l th c ar e p o w e r o f att o rn e y d at e d Janu ar y 2 , 2 0 1 4 , K i mb e rl y ' s fath e r i d e n t i fi e d M e l i s s a a s h i s " d au g h t e r - i n - l aw " an d g av e h e r d e c i s i o n m ak i n g auth o r i ty . 

### P la i n t iff ' s E x h i b i t 1 5 . M e l i s s a p r e s e n t e d t e s t i m o ny fr o m h e r m o th e r an d h e r e mp l o y e e , w h o t e s t i fi e d th at th e w o m e n w e r e n o t m arr i e d an d d i d n o t h av e a r e p ut at i o n i n th e l o c a l c o mmun i ty a s b e i n g m arr i e d . T h e p art i e s a l s o d i s p ut e w h e n th e y b e g an c o h ab i t at i n g an d th e n at ur e o f th e i r l i v i n g arr an g e m e n t a s i t e x i s t e d thr o u g h o ut th e c o ur s e o f th e i r r e l at i o n s h i p , p art i c u l ar l y s ur ro un d i n g th e D e c e mb e r 2 5 , 2 0 0 4 a ll e g e d d at e o f m arr i a g e . B y d e e d d at e d N o v e mb e r 2 9 , 2 0 0 4 , M e l i s s a t o o k t i tl e a s a s i n g l e w o m an t o p ro p e rty l o c at e d o n B u ll fr o g R o a d i n A d am s C o unty . 

### D e f e n d a n t ' s E x h i b it 2 . T h e h o m e o w n e r ' s i n s ur an c e p o l i c y i s s u e d D e c e mb e r 7 , 2 0 0 4 l i s t s b o th p art i e s a s p o l i c y h o l d e r s o n p a g e 1 , b o th w i th a M ar y l an d m a i l i n g a d dr e s s , b ut M e l i s s a i s l i s t e d a s th e s o l e p o l i c y h o l d e r o n p a g e 3 . 

### P la i n t iff ' s E x h i b i t 1 1 . K i mb e rl y t e s t i fi e d s h e an d M e l i s s a m o v e d i n t o th at r e s i d e n c e t o g e th e r i n N o v e mb e r 2 0 0 4 , a l o n g w i th T . C . an d K i mb e rl y ' s fath e r . K i mb e r l y p ro d u c e d a p h o t o g ra

p h fr o m M e l i s s a ' s s c ra

p b o o k w i th a c a

p t i o n p urp o rt e d l y i n d i c at i n g th at th e y a ll m o v e d i n t o g e th e r a s a s i n g l e fam i l y un i t. 

### P la i n t iff ' s E x h i b i t 2 . I n c o n tra s t , M e l i s s a t e s t i fi e d s h e i n t e n d e d t o r e m a i n l i v i n g i n T hurm o n t fo r a t i m e a ft e r th e p ur c h a s e o fth e p ro p e rty . M e l i s s a p ro d u c e d c o p i e s o fl e a s e a g r e e m e n t s t o d e m o n s trat e th at s h e p ur c h a s e d th e B u ll fr o g R o a d p ro p e rty w i th th e i n t e nt i o n t o r e n t i t t o K i mb e rl y an d h e r fath e r , t o a s s i s t th e m a s th e y w e r e b e i n g i mm i n e ntl y d i s p l a c e d fr o m th e i r p r e v i o u s h o m e . K i mb e rl y t e s t i fi e d th at M e l i s s a r e qu e s t e d th e s e l e a s e s b e s i g n e d s o th at M e l i s s a c o u l d g a i n fi n an c i a l l e v e ra g e t o o b t a i n a d d i t i o n a l r e a l e s t at e , w h i c h M e l i s s a d e n i e s . T h e l e a s e a g r e e m e nt s , s i g n e d o n N o v e mb e r 3 0 , 2 0 0 4 , d e s i g n at e M e l i s s a a s l an d l o r d an d K i mb e rl y an d h e r fath e r a s t e n ant s . I n t e r e s t i n g l y , th e p r e amb l e s o f th e 2 0 0 4 l e a s e a g r e e m e nt s s t at e th at M e l i s s a w a s " o f F a i r fi e l d " ,
5n o t T hurm o nt , i n c o n tra d i c t i o n t o M e l i s s a ' s t e s t i m o ny . F urth e rm o r e , th e s e l e a s e s w e r e r e n e w e d

b y th e p art i e s o n N o v e mb e r 3 0 , 2 0 0 5 , a ft e r M e l i s s a t e s t i fi e d th at s h e a l r e a dy b e g un r e s i d i n g at th at p ro p e rty . D e

f e n d a n t ' s E x h i b it 1 8 . A l s o c o rr o b o rat i n g K i mb e rl y ' s t e s t i m o ny , th e p art i e s j o i ntl y m a d e wr i tt e n a p p li c at i o n t o A d am s E l e c tr i c C o o p e rat i v e fo r e l e c tr i c a l s e rv i c e t o th e p ro p e rty , d e s i g n at i n g o n th e fo rm th at th e p ro p e rty i s " o n e hun dr e d p e r c e nt p e r s o n a l r e s i d e n c e u s e ( Y O U R P RI M A R Y RE S I D EN C E ) " , i n s t e a d o f c h e c k i n g " r e n t a l p ro p e rty " i n s e c t i o n 3 o f th e fo rm . M e l i s s a an d K i mb e rl y s i g n e d th i s fo rm o n D e c e mb e r 3 , 2 0 0 4 . M e l i s s a p a i d th e r e qu i s i t e a p p l i c at i o n fe e . P la i n t iff ' s E x h i b i t 1 3 . E x am i n i n g a ll o fth e e v i d e n c e r e l at e d t o c o h ab i t at i o n arr an g e m e n t o f th e p art i e s , h o w e v e r c o n fl i c t i n g , i t a

p p e ar s th at M e l i s s a p ur c h a s e d th e p ro p e rty w i th th e i n t e nt t o r e s i d e th e r e w i th K i mb e rl y , w h i l e u s i n g th e a p p e ar an c e o f l e a s e i n c o m e t o b o l s t e r h e r fi n an c i a l p o s i t i o n . T o furth e r d e m o n s trat e th e l i v i n g arran g e m e nt an d th e n at ur e o f th e p art i e s ' r e l at i o n s h i p , K i mb e rl y i n tro d

u c e d an a g r e e m e n t d at e d M ar c h 2 2 , 2 0 0 5 i n w h i c h M e l i s s a g av e K i mb e rl y 5 0 % o wn e r s h i p i n t e r e s t i n th e e qu i ty o fth e B u ll fr o g R o a d h o m e . P la i n t iff ' s E x h i b it 1 8 . K i mb e rl y a s s e rt e d th at th i s a g r e e m e n t w a s n o t e x e c ut e d c o n c urr e ntl y w i th th e p ur c h a s e o f th e h o m e b e c au s e K i mb e rl y ' s n e g at i v e c r e d i t i s s u e s p r e v e nt e d h e r fr o m b e i n g a m o rt g a g o r an d h av i n g h e r n am e d p l a c e d o n th e d e e d . N o tw i th s t an d i n g th at , s h e i n s i s t e d th at i t w a s th e i mp l i c i t un d e r s t an d i n g o f th e p art i e s th at K i mb e rl y w a s an e qu a l o wn e r o f th e p ro p e rty at th e t i m e i t w a s p ur c h a s e d . T o d at e , K i mb e r l y ' s n am e h a s n e v e r b e e n a d d e d t o th e d e e d . T h e e x i s t e n c e o f th i s a g r e e m e nt s h o w s an i n t e nt t o c o mm i n g l e an a s s e t an d a c e rt a i n l e v e l o f c o mm i tm e n t b e tw e e n th e p art i e s , b ut i s n o t c o n cl u s i v e p ro o fth at th e p art i e s w e r e m arr i e d . T h e p art i e s h a d a j o i n t b ank a c c o unt an d s o m e j o i n t b ill s d ur i n g th e c o ur s e o f th e i r r e l at i o n s h i p . T h e y j o i ntl y a c qu i r e d a v e h i cl e i n Ap r i l o f 2 0 0 5 . K i mb e rl y a s s e rt s th at th i s c o n d u c t

6i s c o n s i s t e n t w i th th at o f a m arr i e d c o u p l e . M el i s s a av e r s th at th i s i s c o n s i s t e n t w i th c o mm i tt e d p artn e r s r e s i d i n g t o g e th e r , b ut i s n o t e v i d e n c e o f a m arr i a g e c o n tra c t. T o s u p p o rt h e r ar g um e n t , M e l i s s a p ro d

u c e d b ill s an d a c c o un t s th at l i s t th e p art i e s ' m ar i t a l s t at u s a s " s i n g l e " a ft e r th e a ll e g e d d at e o f m arr i a g e , i n cl u d i n g an aut o i n s ur an c e p o l i c y i s s u e d o n S e p t e mb e r 2 4 , 2 0 0 7 . D e f e n d a n t ' s E x h i b it 4 . M e l i s s a p ro d

u c e d h e r 2 0 1 0 U n i t e d S t at e s C e n s u s qu e s t i o nn a i r e , w h e r e i n s h e r e fe rr e d t o K i mb e rl y a s a h o u s e h o l d m e mb e r an d m ark e d th e " unw e d p artn e r " b o x i n s t e a d o f th e " hu s b an d o r w i fe " b o x . S h e furth e r d e s i g n at e d P l a i n t i f f' s F ath e r a s a h o u s e h o l d m e mb e r an d m ark e d th e " O th e r n o nr e l at i v e " b o x i n s t e a d o f " P ar e n t - i n - l aw " b o x . D e f e n d a n t ' s E x h i b it 5 . M e l i s s a i n tro d

u c e d a 2 0 1 0 art i c l e fr o m th e l o c a l c o mmun i ty n e w s p a p e r , dra ft e d b y h e r aun t , w h i c h r e fe r s t o K i mb e rl y a s a " fr i e n d " o f M e li s s a . D e f e n d a n t ' s E x h i b i t 6 . M e li s s a i s v e r

y cl o s e w i th h e r aunt , thu s h e r aunt w o u l d h av e kn o w n h e r m ar i t a l s t at u s . T h i s n e w s p a

p e r art i cl e i s a l s o i n d i c at i v e o f h o w th e p art i e s h e l d th e m s e l v e s o ut t o th e l o c a l c o mmun i ty . M e l i s s a , a c e rt i fi e d p ub l i c a c c o unt ant , p r e p ar e d b o th p art i e s ' t ax r e t urn s thr o u g h o ut th e c o ur s e o f th e i r r e l at i o n s h i p . S h e p ro d u c e d K i mb e rl y ' s t ax r e t

urn s , i n cl u d i n g th o s e fi l e d i n 2 0 1 5 an d 2 0 1 6 , w h i c h d e s i g n at e K i mb e rl y a s " h e a d o f h o u s e h o l d " cl a i m i n g h e r d au g h t e r an d h e r fath e r a s d e p e n d e nt s , b ut n o t cl a i m i n g a s p o u s e . D e

f e n d a n t ' s E x h i b i t s 9, 1 0 . M e l i s s a p ro d

u c e d s e v e ra l m o r e d o c um e n t s d at e d i n 2 0 1 1 , w h e r e i n s h e i n d i c at e d s h e w a s s i n g l e an d th at K i mb e rl y w a s h e r " n o n - s p o u s e " an d

" fr i e n d " , t o furth e r d e m o n s trat e th at s h e r e p r e s e nt e d h e r s e l f a s a s i n g l e w o m an an d th at K i mb e rl y w a s m e r e l y a ro m an t i c p artn e r an d a fr i e n d . A P P L I C A B L E L A W T w o typ e s o f m arr i a g e e x i s t i n P e nn s y l v an i a , c e r e m o n i a l an d c o mm o n l aw . 

### S ta u d e n m a y e r v . S t a u d e n m a y e r , 5 5 2 P a . 2 5 3 , 7 1 4 A. 2 d 1 0 1 6 ( 1 9 9 8 ) . C e r e m o n i a l m arr i a g e i s a w e d d i n g or m arr i a g e p e r fo rm e d b y a r e l i g i o u s o r c i v i l auth o r i ty w i th th e u s u a l o r c u s t o m ar y
7c e r e m o ny o r fo rm a l i t i e s . I d
. , s e e a l s o 2 3 Pa . C

S .A . § 1 5 0 1 e t s e q . C o mm o n l aw m arr i a g e s e n t e r e d i n t o a ft e r J anu ary 1 , 2 0 0 5 h av e b e e n d e cl ar e d i nv a l i d b y s t at ut e , b ut th i s ab o l i s hm e n t w a s n o t m a d e r e tro a c t i v e . 2 3 Pa . 

### C. S .A . § 11 0 3 . 5 T hu s , i t r e m a i n s p o s s i b l e fo r a v a l i d c o mm o n l aw m arr i a g e t o h av e b e e n e s t ab l i s h e d o n o r b e fo r e Janu ar y 1 , 2 0 0 5 . T h e c a s e o f

I n re E s t a te o f C a r te r e x t e n d e d th e r i g h t t o e s t ab l i s h c o mm o n l aw m arr i a g e t o s am e - s e x c o u p l e s . I n d o i n g s o , o ur S u p e r i o r C o urt e xp l ai n e d , " b e c au s e o p p o s i t e - s e x c o u p l e s i n P e nn s y l v an i a ar e p e rm i tt e d t o e s t ab l i s h , thr o u g h a d e c l ar at o r y j u d g m e nt a c t i o n , th e e x i s t e n c e o f a c o mm o n l aw m arr i a g e p r i o r t o Janu ar y 1 , 2 0 0 5 , . . . s am e - s e x c o u p l e s mu s t h av e th at s am e r i g h t . " I n re E s t a te o f C a r te r , 1 5 9 A. 3 d 9 7 0 , 9 7 7 - 7 8 ( P a . S u p e r. 2 0 1 7 ) . T o d e p r i v e o n e p arty th e o p p o rt un i ty t o e s t ab l i s h r i g h t s a s th e o th e r p arty ' s c o mm o n l aw s p o u s e , s i mp l y b e c au s e th e y ar e a s am e - s e x c o u p l e , " w o u l d v i o l at e b o th th e E qu a l P ro t e c t i o n an d D u e P ro c e s s C l au s e s o fth e F o urt e e nth Am e n dm e nt. " I d
. Wh e n th e v a li d i ty o f a m arr i a g e i s d e n i e d , a p arty t o th e a ll e g e d m arr i a g e " m ay b r i n g an a c t i o n fo r d e cl arat o r

y j u d g m e n t s e e k i n g a d e cl arat i o n o f th e v a l i d i ty o r i nv a l i d i ty o f th e m ar r i a g e , an d u p o n p ro o f o f th e v a l i d i ty o r i nv a l i d i ty o fth e m arr i a g e , th e m arr i a g e s h a ll b e d e cl ar e d v a l i d b y d e c r e e o f th e c o urt an d . . . th e d e cl arat i o n s h a ll b e c o n cl u s i v e u p o n a ll p e r s o n s c o n c e rn e d . " 2 3 Pa . 

### C. S .A . § 3 3 0 6. T h e b ur d e n t o p ro v e a c o mm o n l aw m arr i a g e i s o n th e p arty a ll e g i n g th e m arr i a g e . P

P L v . W o r k e r s ' C o m p e n s a t i o n A

p p e a l B d
. , 5 A. 3 d 8 3 9 ( P a . C mw lth . 2 0 1 0 ) . T yp i c a ll y , v e rb a i n p ra es e n t i ( w or d s i n th e p r e s e n t t e n s e ) s p o k e n b e tw e e n p ut at i v e s p o u s e s ar e r e qu i r e d fo r a v a l i d c o mm o n l aw m ar r i a g e . It i s th e p r e s e nt i n t e nt o f p art i e s t o th e

5 " T h e A c t o f N o v e m b e r 2 4 , 2 0 0 4 , P . L . 9 5 4 ( A c t 1 4 4 ) , a m e n d e d S e c t i o n 1 10 3 o f t h e M a r r i a g e L a w t o p ro v i d e a s fo ll o w s : ' N o c o m m o n - l a w m a r r i a g e c o n t ra c t e d a f t e r J a n u a r

y 1 , 20 0 5 , s h a ll b e v a l i d . N o t h i n g i n t h i s p a rt s h a l l b e d e e m e d o r t a k e n t o r e n d e r a n y c o m m o n - l a w m a r r i a g e o t h e r w i s e l a w f

u l a n d c o n t r a c t e d o n o r b e fo r e J a n u a r y 1 , 2 0 0 5 , i n v a li d .' 23 P a . C. S . § 1 10 3 . I n l i g h t o f t h e L e g i s l a t u r e ' s a c t i o n , t h i s C o u rt h a s d e t e r m i n e d t h a t a n y c o m m o n l a w m a r r i a g e c o n t ra c t e n t e r e d i n t o p r i o r t o J a n u a r y 1 , 2 0 0 5 r e m a i n e d v a l i d . . . . " PPL v . W o r k e r s ' C o mp e n s a t

i o n A pp e a l s B d . , 5 A . 3 d 8 3 9 , 8 4 3 - 4 4 ( P a . C m w l t h . 2 0 10 )( c i t a t i o n s o m i t t e d ) 8m arr i a g e c o n tra c t w h i c h i s c ru c i a l an d n o t fo rm o f w o r d s u s e d . 

### D a v i d v . B e lle v u e L o c u s t

G a rage, 1 2 P a . C mw lth . 6 0 2 , 6 0 7 , 3 1 7 A. 2 d 3 4 1 , 3 4 3 ( 1 9 7 4 ) . In c a s e s w h e n o n e p arty i s un av a il ab l e t o t e s t i f

y r e g ar d i n g th e v e rb a i n p ra es e n ti , th e r e i s a r e b utt ab l e p r e s ump t i o n i n fav o r o f c o mm o n l aw m arr i a g e w h e n th e b ur d e n e d p arty p ro v e s c o n s t ant c o h ab i t at i o n an d a r e p ut at i o n o f m arr i a g e . 

### P

P L v . W o r k e r s ' C o m p e n . A p p . B d
. , s u p ra ; s e e a l s o , 

### I

n re E s t a te o f C a r te r , 1 5 9 A. 3 d 9 7 0 , 9 7 9 ( P a . S u

p e r. 2 0 1 7 ) . H o w e v e r , th e r e l i an c e o n s u c h a p r e s ump t i o n b a s e d u p o n p ro o f o f c o h ab i t at i o n an d r e p ut at i o n i s o n l y p ro p e r w h e r e d i r e c t e v i d e n c e o f th e a ll e g e d m arr i a g e a g r e e m e nt i s un av a i l ab l e . 

### I d
. Wh e r e b o th p ut at i v e s p o u s e s ar e av a i l ab l e t o t e s t i fy , a s i n th e i n s t ant c a s e , th i s p r e s ump t i o n d o e s n o t a p p l y .
" C o mm o n - l aw m arr i a g e cl a i m s ar e r e v i e w e d w i th g r e at s c rut i ny . " 

### El k M o u n t a i n S k i R es o r t , I n c . v . W o r k e r s ' C o m p e n s a t i o n A

p p e a l s B d
. , 1 1 4 A . 3 d 2 7 ( P a . C mw l th . 2 0 1 5 ) . T h e e x c h an g e o f v e rb a i n pra esen ti , s p o k e n w i th th e s p e c i fi c p urp o s e o f c r e at i n g th e l e g a l r e l at i o n s h i p o f m arr i a g e " i s a h e av y b ur d e n an d mu s t b e e s t ab l i s h e d b y cl e ar an d c o nv i n c i n g e v i d e n c e " o fth e e x c h an g e o f w o r d s c r e at i n g th e m arr i a g e c o n tra c t. 

### I d
. T h e cl e ar an d c o nv i n c i n g e v i d e n c e s t an d ar d i s th e h i g h e s t s t an d ar d o fp ro o fut i l i z e d i n c i v i l p r o c e e d i n g s , r e qu i r i n g " e v i d e n c e th at i s s o cl e ar , d i r e c t , w e i g h ty , an d c o nv i n c i n g a s t o e n ab l e th e [ tr i e r o f fa c t ] t o c o m e t o a cl e ar c o nv i c t i o n , w i th o ut h e s i t an c y , o f th e truth o f th e p r e c i s e fa c t s [ i n ] i s s u e . " 

### I n re V e n ci l , 6 3 8 P a . 1 , 1 5 2 A. 3 d 2 3 5 , fo o tn o t e 1 ( P a . 2 0 1 7 ) , c it a t i o n s o m itte d

. " Wh e n fa c e d w i th c o n tra d i c t o r

y t e s t i m o ny r e g ar d i n g v e rb a i n pra esent i, th e p arty cl a i m i n g a c o mm o n l aw m arr i a g e m ay i n tro d

u c e e v i d e n c e o f c o n s t ant c o h ab i t at i o n an d r e p ut at i o n o f m arr i a g e i n s u p p o rt o f h i s o r h e r cl a i m . " 

### S

tu d e n m a y e r , 7 1 4 A. 2 d at 10 2 1.

D I S C U S S I O N M e l i s s a ar g u e s th at i t i s i mp o s s i b l e fo r a s am e - s e x c o mm o n l aw m arr i a g e t o h av e b e e n fo rm e d b e tw e e n th e p art i e s b e c au s e c o mm o n - l aw m arr i a g e w a s ab o li s h e d a ft e r Janu ar y 1 , 2 0 0 5 9an d s am e - s e x m arr i a g e w a s n o t l e g a l i z e d i n P e nn s y l v an i a unt i l 2 0 1 4 . A s I n R e E s t a te o f C a r te r r e c o g n i z e s th e ab i l i ty fo r s am e g e n d e r c o u p l e s t o e s t ab l i s h a v a l i d c o mm o n l aw m arr i a g e o n o r b e fo r e J anu ar

y 1 , 2 0 0 5 , th i s ar g um e nt fa il s . T h i s c a s e a c t u a ll y t urn s u p o n w h e th e r or n o t K i mb e rl y h a s m e t h e r h e avy b ur d e n thr o u g h th e p r e s e nt at i o n o f cl e ar an d c o nv i n c i n g e v i d e n c e th at th e c o u

p l e e x c h an g e d v e rb a i n p ra es e n t i o n D e c e mb e r 2 5 , 2 0 0 4 , th e r e b y e v i d e n c i n g th e i r i n t e nt t o fo rm a m arr i a g e c o n tra c t at th at m o m e nt. K i mb e rl y ' s t e s t i m o ny c o n c e rn i n g v e rb a i n p ra es e n ti e x c h an g e d b e tw e e n th e p art i e s w a s

' j u s t s o m e thi n g ab o ut l o v e an d c h e r i s h an d w e p r e tty mu c h j u s t p ut th e r i n g s o n e a c h o th e r ' s fi n g e r " . T

r. A t 1 5 . M e l i s s a d e n i e s th at th i s o c c urr e d at any t i m e d ur i n g th e p art i e s ' r el at i o n s h i p . T h e r e ar e n o w i tn e s s e s , n o r any d o c um e nt at i o n t o c o rr o b o rat e K i mb e rl y ' s v e r s i o n o f e v e n t s . M e l i s s a ' s t e s t i m o ny r e g ar d i n g th e c o u p l e c e l e b rat i n g th e i r ann i v e r s ary i n Au g u s t , n o t D e c e mb e r , w a s c o r ro b o rat e d b y T . C . F urth e r un d e rm i n i n g K i mb e rl y ' s c r e d i b i l i ty ar e h e r tw o d i v o r c e c o mp l a i n t s , b o th s i g n e d un d e r p e n a l ty o f un s w o rn fa l s i fi c at i o n , w h e r e i n s h e c i t e s tw o d i ff e r e n t m arr i a g e d at e s i n tw o d i ff e r e nt l o c at i o n s , c o mp o un d e d b y h e r t e s t i m o ny th at th e 2 0 0 3 a ll e g e d w e d d i n g d at e w a s a c t

u a ll y th e d ay th at s h e p ro p o s e d m arr i a g e t o M e l i s s a , th e n s t at i n g th at th e y

" r e - e x c h an g e d r i n g s " o n th e s e c o n d a ll e g e d w e d d i n g d at e i n 2 0 0 4 . I n an e ff o rt t o o v e r c o m e th e c o n fli c t i n g t e s t i m o ny r e g ar d i n g th e e x i s t e n c e o f v e rb a i n p ra es e n t i, K i mb e rl y p r e s e n t e d c r e d i b l e e v i d e n c e o f c o n s t ant c o h ab i t at i o n b y th e p art i e s fr o m l at e 2 0 0 3 / e ar l y 2 0 0 4 un t i l 2 0 1 7 . S e e S t a u d e n m a y e r , s u p ra . H o w e v e r , " c o h ab i t at i o n b e tw e e n unm arr i e d p e o p l e t o d ay d o e s n o t c arr y w i th i t th e s am e s o c i a l t ab o o a s w h e n th e c o mm o n l aw m arr i a g e d o c tr i n e w a s d e v e l o p e d " , an d i s p e r h a p s l e s s i n d i c at i v e o fp art i e s t o b e m arr i e d s p o u s e s

" th an i t w a s fi fty o r o n e hun dr e d y e ar s a g o . " 

### I d
. , 7 1 4 A. 2 d at 1 0 2 3 . " S i n c e p e o p l e li v e t o g e th e r

10w i th o ut i n t e n d i n g t o m ar r y th e r e mu s t b e p ro o f o f an a g r e e m e n t t o e nt e r i n t o th e r e l at i o n s h i p i n o r d e r t o e s t ab l i s h th at th e p art i e s ar e m arr i e d . " H e r t z v . H e r t z , 2 3 P a . D . & C . 3 d 5 5 ( 1 9 8 1 ) . T h e p art i e s p r e s e n t e d c o n fl i c t i n g e v i d e n c e r e g ar d i n g w h e th e r th e y h a d a r e p ut at i o n fo r m arr i a g e th at w a s b ro a d an d g e n e ra l. S o m e p e o p l e th o u g h t th e y w e r e m arr i e d . M e l i s s a ' s fam i l y m e mb e r s b e l i e v e d th e y w e r e n o t m arr i e d . M e l i s s a ' s fath e r ' s o b i t u ar y r e fe rr e d t o K i mb e rl y a s M e l i s s a ' s " p artn e r " an d an art i cl e wr i tt e n b y M e l i s s a ' s aunt r e fe rr e d t o K i mb e rl y a s M e l i s s a ' s

" fr i e n d " . I n c o n tra s t , K i mb e rl y ' s fath e r r e fe r r e d t o M e l i s s a a s h i s d au g h t e r - i n - l aw . P e rt i n e n t t o d e t e rm i n at i o n o f w h e th e r a m arr i a g e e x i s t s i s h o w th e p art i e s th e m s e l v e s v i e w th e r e l at i o n s h i p . I d
. M e l i s s a p ro v i d e d a numb e r o f d o c um e nt s t o d e m o n s trat e h e r i n t e n t i o n t o r e m a i n an unm arr i e d p e r s o n thr o u g h o ut th e c o ur s e o f th e r e l at i o n s h i p . K i mb e rl y ' s e v i d e n c e fa ll s s h o rt o f m e e t i n g th e h e avy b ur d e n o f b e i n g cl e ar an d c o nv i n c i n g . M e l i s s a ' s t e s t i m o ny r e g ar d i n g l a c k o f th e e x c h an g e o f v e rb a i n p ra es e n ti i s m o r e c r e d i b l e th an K i mb e rl y ' s v a g u e , un c o r ro b o rat e d a s s e rt i o n . T h e tw o a c c o unt s d i r e c t l y c o n tra d i c t o n e an o th e r. T . C . ' s t e s t i m o ny c o r ro b o rat e s M e l i s s a ' s v e r s i o n o f th e r e l at i o n s h i p , p art i c u l arl y w i th r e s p e c t t o th e d at e th e y c e l e b rat e d th e i r r e l at i o n s h i p . T h e r e i s n o t cl e ar an d c o nv i n c i n g e v i d e n c e th at v e rb a i n p ra es e n t i w e r e e x c h an g e d . T h e e v i d e n c e r e g ar d i n g c o n s t ant c o h ab i t at i o n o f th e p art i e s an d th e i r r e p ut at i o n i n th e c o mmun i ty a l s o fa ll s s h o rt o f s ub s t an t i at i n g K i mb e rl y ' s cl a i m . It i s cl e ar th at K i mb e rl y an d M e li s s a o n c e l o v e d an d c ar e d fo r o n e an o th e r. T h e y fo r g e d a l o v i n g , c o mm i tt e d d o m e s t i c p artn e r s h i p an d cl o s e fr i e n d s h i p fo r a p p ro x i m at e l y 1 3 y e ar s . T h e y l i v e d un d e r th e s am e ro o f , s l e p t t o g e th e r , c o mm i n g l e d a s s e t s an d l i ab i l i t i e s , an d s t art e d a l an d s c a p i n g b u s i n e s s t o g e th e r. T h e y e x c h an g e d g i ft s an d g r e e t i n g c ar d s t o r e c o g n i z e i mp o rt ant an d ro m ant i c o c c a s i o n s . T h e y s o c i a l i z e d w i th o th e r c o u p l e s . T h e y t o o k c ar e o f e a c h o th e r.

11Wh i l e th e s e b e h av i o r s ar e un d e rt ak e n b y m arr i e d c o u p l e s , th e y ar e a l s o un d e rt ak e n b y m any unm arr i e d c o u

p l e s . N o n e o f th e s e c i r c um s t an c e s , i n w h o l e o r i n p art , d e m o n s trat e an i nt e nt b y th e p art i e s t o e n t e r i n t o a m arr i a g e c o ntra c t o n D e c e mb e r 2 5 , 2 0 0 4 . C O N C L U S I O N K i mb e rl y h a s fa i l e d t o e s t ab l i s h , b y cl e ar an d c o nv i n c i n g e v i d e n c e , th at s h e an d M e l i s s a e n t e r e d i n t o a c o mm o n l aw m arr i a g e o n D e c e mb e r 2 5 , 2 0 0 4 . T h e r e fo r e , M e l i s s a ' s P r e l i m i n ar y O b j e c t i o n s t o th e C o mp l a i n t an d Am e n d e d C o mp l a i n t ar e s u s t a i n e d fo r th e r e a s o n s s t at e d h e r e i n . A v a l i d c o mm o n l aw m ar ri a g e h a s n o t b e e n e s t ab l i s h e d . An O r d e r an d D e c r e e s h a ll b e e n t e r e d a c c o r d i n g l y . B Y T H E C O U R T , D at e : Ap r i l 1 2 , 2 0 1 8 C h r i s t i n a M . S i m p s o n , J u d g e

1 2