Living together couples are frequently referred to as "common-law partners." This is simply another way of stating that a couple lives together. You may be able to formalize elements of your relationship with a partner by creating a legal document known as a cohabitation contract or living together agreement. In order for a relationship to be recognized as a marriage under U.S. law, it must meet certain requirements. The common-law relationship is one such requirement. A common-law marriage is a marriage where no ceremony is conducted by a licensed minister or civil official and where no paper documentation exists (except for some states that require an affidavit of marriage). Instead, the relationship between the married couple must be entered into in good faith by those who would declare it to be a marriage. A common-law marriage can only be terminated by either party filing for divorce. The divorce process also terminates the common-law marriage relationship. It does not need to be terminated by death or annulment. Common-law marriages are still valid in many states. If you are from one of these states you may have a valid common-law marriage. If you are from another state and want to enter into a common-law marriage, you will need to check whether it is allowed in your state. For example, common-law marriages are not valid in Mississippi.