Texas rapper Maurice Williams, also known as Hefe Wine, is seeking a divorce from Australian breakout rapper Iggy Azalea of “Fancy” fame after claiming that the two were common-law married. If the courts agree, Williams seeks to gain control of a large percentage of Azalea’s earnings from her recent success.
What Is Common-Law Marriage?
In Colorado, a common-law marriage is valid for all the same purposes as a ceremonial marriage. The term “common-law” marriage describes a marriage that is not in compliance with statutory requirements most state laws deem necessary for ceremonial marriage.
In order for a couple to be common-law married, they must fit the criteria listed below:
- Both parties are free to contract a valid ceremonial marriage (they are not already married to other people, for example)
- Both parties must hold themselves out to others as husband and wife
- Both parties must consent to the marriage
- The couple must live together
- The couple must have a reputation in the community as being married
No time requirement exists for the state to consider a couple common-law married, as long as they meet the above requirements. In Azalea’s case, she claims that would-be husband Williams was already married at the time of his alleged common-law marriage. She also says that she did not consent to be common-law married, despite Williams’ assertion that the two held themselves out as husband and wife during their time together. Only time will tell for this “Black Widow.”
Divorce Matters ”“ Denver Divorce Lawyers
Did You Know?: Common-law marriage exists in various forms in only 15 states and the District of Columbia.
