50% of nothing is still nothing Was just looking up common law marriage in the UK and found this about the US --- Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as common law marriage in most of the United States. And, while common law marriages are recognized in 15 states and the District of Columbia, it takes something a lot more deliberate than simply shacking up together to achieve such a result. --- And for the UK -- The term "common law marriage" has been used in England and Wales to refer to unmarried, cohabiting heterosexual relationships. However, this is merely a social usage. The term does not confer on cohabiting parties any of the rights or obligations enjoyed by spouses or civil partners. --