Opinion ID: 1295385
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: C. sec. 32-202 requires both parties to be unmarried at the time of consent and consummation of a marital contract.

Text: While appellant argues that `   When a marriage has been shown in evidence, whether regular or irregular, and whatever the form of proof, the law raises a strong presumption of its legality, casting the burden of proof upon the party objecting and requiring him in every particular, to make plain, against the constant pressure of this presumption the truth of law and fact that the marriage is illegal and void.' Thomey v. Thomey, 67 Idaho 393, 181 P.2d 777, 779. The record is virtually barren of evidence that appellant held herself out as the wife of deceased. Reputation must be uniform and general and not limited to particular persons or divided, in the community in which parties cohabit, in order to suffice as proof of marriage between them or, it has been said, to give rise to a presumption of marriage.   35 Am.Jur., Marriage, sec. 222, p. 330. See also White v. White, 82 Cal. 427, 23 P. 276, 7 L.R.A. 799; Klipfel's Estate v. Klipfel, 41 Colo. 40, 92 P. 26; Miller v. Sutherland, 131 Mont. 175, 309 P.2d 322. By statute, the impediment of an existing marriage forecloses the possibility of any marriage throughout the existence of the impediment. During the months of May, June, July, and August, 1954, the appellant was married to Herbert Pugmier, and statements of the deceased concerning the common-law marriage made during that time to his neighbors could not establish any element of marriage by reason of the impediment of the existing marriage. Appellant's mother and one other witness testified that deceased made a representation of marriage after August, 1954. It was the duty of the trial court to determine the credibility of the witnesses and the weight to be given their testimony. The consent required by I.C. sec. 32-201 must be given when the parties enter into the contractual responsibilities of marriage. There is but little evidence to support the element of consent; the evidence is to the contrary in that the actions of the parties demonstrate they intended to remain unmarried. Appellant's actions indicate she intended to realize the benefits of a single status, and in her personal affairs declared herself to be a single person. There is ample and competent evidence to support the finding of the trial court, and this Court will not disturb it. Howay v. Howay, 74 Idaho 492, 264 P.2d 691; Jensen v. Chandler, 77 Idaho 303, 291 P.2d 1116; Anselmo v. Beardmore, 70 Idaho 392, 219 P.2d 946; Ryan v. Day, 74 Idaho 159, 258 P.2d 1146; In re Davenports' Estates, 79 Idaho 548, 323 P.2d 611. The judgment is affirmed. Costs to respondent. TAYLOR, C. J., and SMITH, KNUDSON and McFADDEN, JJ., concur.