‘Common-Law’ Marriages

The article “Common-Law Wife’s Killing of Mate Ruled Manslaughter” (Oct. 7) reported that a woman was found guilty of manslaughter for killing “her common-law husband.”

Why do you help perpetuate the myth about the legitimacy of “common-law” marriages?

California abolished the doctrine of common-law marriages in 1895.

Perpetuation of the common-law myth may deceive many couples into believing that they have established various marital rights (e.g., community property, spousal support (alimony), statutory right of action for wrongful death, rights of inheritance, employment benefits, income tax status and gift and estate tax exemptions).

This deception might in some way be mitigated if press releases referred to these people as: roommates, friends, unmarried couples, nonmarital partners, live-in partners, cohabitants or similar labels that do not carry the connotations of a relationship that encompasses marital rights.

GARY B. EATON

Placentia