Marriage — MCQs

Using only the supplied file and legal resources, prepare an objective memorandum assessing whether Priya is likely to obtain permission to relocate with Leo, addressing Marco's strongest objections, identifying the most important additional evidence, and recommending immediate matter-management steps.

Two adults lived in State A for eight years. State A recognizes a common-law marriage when two adults who may lawfully marry mutually agree to be married and thereafter publicly hold themselves out as spouses. The adults privately agreed to be married, used the same surname, filed joint tax returns, and consistently introduced each other as spouses. They later moved to State B, which abolished the creation of common-law marriages but recognizes marriages validly formed where celebrated unless recognition would violate a strong public policy. Neither adult had another spouse, and their marriage would not otherwise violate State B law. After they separated, one adult retained a lawyer to seek property division and support in State B. Which of the following is the lawyer's strongest argument that the parties are married?