What implications does Estate of Claveria v. Claveria have for parties disputing the existence of a prior common-law marriage in probate or divorce proceedings?
The case establishes that once a common-law marriage is proven, neither party can unilaterally nullify it by simply denying its existence. This is particularly important in probate, where a surviving partner may assert inheritance rights, or in divorce, where one party may seek property division or spousal maintenance. The case affirms that legal protections afforded to formally married spouses also apply to those in a valid common-law marriage.
Cite: Estate of Claveria v. Claveria, 615 S.W.2d 164 (Tex. 1981).