Nevertheless, all states including those that have abolished the contract of common-law marriage within their boundaries recognize common-law marriages lawfully contracted in those jurisdictions that permit it.
The term common-law marriage is sometimes also used as a synonym for legal agreements including domestic partnerships, reciprocal beneficiaries relationships and non-marital relationship contracts.
Unlike the typical ceremonial marriage with legal contract, wedding ceremony, and other details, a common-law marriage may be called marriage by habit and repute (cohabitation).