Georgia § 19-3-1 - 1. Common-law marriage; effectiveness.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 19-3-1 — 1. Common-law marriage; effectiveness., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 19-3-1. 1. Common-law marriage; effectiveness.
No common-law marriage shall be entered into in this state on or after January 1, 1997. Otherwise valid common-law marriages entered into prior to January 1, 1997, shall not be affected by this Code section and shall continue to be recognized in this state. (Code 1981, § 19-3-1.1 , enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 1414, § 1.) Editor's notes. - Ga. L. 1996, p. 1414, § 2, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: "The Department of Human Resources is authorized and directed to implement a state-wide education program through the broadcast and print media to inform state residents regarding the Code section enacted by this Act and the elements of a valid common-law marriage." Law reviews. - For annual survey article discussing wills, trusts and administration of estates, see 52 Mercer L. Rev. 481 (2000). For article, "Marriage, Death and Taxes: The Estate Planning Impact of Windsor and Obergefell on Georgia's Same Sex Spouses," see 21 Ga. St. Bar. J. 9 (Oct. 2015). For article, "Cohabitation Worldwide Today," see 35 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 299 (2019).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 19-3-1
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 19-3-1 cover?
Section 19-3-1 ("1. Common-law marriage; effectiveness.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 19-3-1?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 19-3-1" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 19-3-1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.