[Carry_Okie]

Used to be they would call that "common law marriage."

Not in states where it doesn't exist, California being a prime example. Moreover, "common law marriage" both cheapens the commitment and actually gives people motive to break up before the long arm of government inserts cements the relationship perforce. In either case, it is usually bad for children.

[HiTech RedNeck]

So who’s in California that it matters?