240 R.I. Code R. 240-RICR-20-00-1.4

Current through December 26, 2024

Section 240-RICR-20-00-1.4 - Definitions

A. "Common law spouse": In order to establish the existence of a common-law marriage, spouses are required to present two (2) different examples of the following documents.

1. A personal affidavit stating when and where you and your common-law spouse mutually agreed to become husband and wife; whether you were ever married, ceremonially or otherwise, to anyone else, and the details surrounding the end of any previous marriages (how they were ended, when and where); and any other details that will help to establish the existence of a husband and wife relationship.

2. Affidavits from other persons who know you and are familiar with your relationship, setting forth particulars such as the length of time you lived together, your address(es); whether there was any public announcement of your marriage; and whether your friends, neighbors, and relatives regard you as married.

3. Deed showing title to property held jointly by both parties to the common-law marriage.

4. Bank statements and checks showing joint ownership of the accounts.

5. Insurance policies naming the other party as beneficiary.

6. Birth certificates naming you and your common-law spouse as parents of your child(ren).

7. Employment records listing your common-law spouse as an immediate family member.

8. School records listing the names of both common-law spouses as parents.

9. Credit card accounts in the names of both common-law spouses.

10. Loan documents, mortgages, and promissory notes evidencing joint financial obligations of the parties.

11. Mail addressed to you and your common-law spouse as "Mr. and Mrs."

12. Any documents showing that the wife has assumed the surname of her common-law husband.

13. Church records indicating familial status, including membership information, baptismal certificates of the parties' child(ren), Sunday school registration forms, etc.

B. "Immediate family": for purposes of this policy, immediate family is defined as a parent, spouse [including common-law (see definition above)], child, step-child, brother, step-brother, sister, step- sister, grandparent, grandchild, aunt and uncle.

1. Exception: If a visitor is an ex-inmate, immediate family is then defined as parent, spouse [including common-law (see definition above)], brother, sister, grandparent, child and grandchild.

240 R.I. Code R. 240-RICR-20-00-1.4