Opinion ID: 1465938
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Common-Law Marriage in Rhode Island

Text: The sole issue before this Court on appeal is whether the trial justice properly dismissed plaintiff's complaint for divorce when she concluded that a common-law marriage had not been established. In divorce actions, the findings of fact by a trial justice sitting without a jury are entitled to great weight and will not be disturbed by this Court on appeal unless the trial justice misconceived or overlooked relevant evidence or was clearly wrong. DeMelo v. Zompa, 844 A.2d 174, 177 (R.I.2004). This state recognizes common-law marriage. Souza v. O'Hara, 121 R.I. 88, 91, 395 A.2d 1060, 1062 (1978). Although marriage is of the nature of a civil contract, it is a contract which is subject to the regulation of the state, in which in its inception or its dissolution the state has a vital interest. Silva v. Merritt Chapman & Scott Corp., 52 R.I. 30, 32, 156 A. 512, 513 (1931). Therefore, to establish a common-law marriage, we have adopted the clear and convincing standard of proof. See id. A common-law marriage requires evidence that the parties seriously intended to enter into the husband-wife relationship. Sardonis v. Sardonis, 106 R.I. 469, 472, 261 A.2d 22, 24 (1970) (citing Ibello v. Sweet, 47 R.I. 480, 482, 133 A. 801, 801-02 (1926)). In addition, the conduct of the parties must be of such a character as to lead to a belief in the community that they were married. Id. (citing Williams v. Herrick, 21 R.I. 401, 402, 43 A. 1036, 1037 (1899)). The elements of intent and belief are demonstrated by inference from cohabitation, declarations, reputation among kindred and friends, and other competent circumstantial evidence. Id.