No. In South Dakota, you must obtain a marriage license and enter into a legal marriage in order to be considered married.
Living together and taking the same name don't create a common-law marriage.
Does South Dakota recognize common-law marriage?
About Swier Law Firm's Family Law Practice Group
Swier Law Firm's Family Law Practice Group has been nationally recognized and handles the following types of cases:
- Adoption
- Alimony
- Divorce
- Child Custody
- Child & Spousal Support
- Grandparent Visitation Rights
- High Net Worth Divorces
- Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)
- Parenting Plans
- Property Division
- Pre- and Post-Marital Planning
Take a look at our valuable books and articles. Our materials are full of tips and advice. Each book was written by our experienced divorce and custody attorneys and provides detailed South Dakota-specific information designed to help anyone facing a divorce or custody case. You can request your free copy by clicking on the book covers below.
