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v Family Matters vCommon Law Marriage In Texas y Crista Branch, AttorneyBEAUTYBCommon law marriage in Texas is one of those areas of the law that is often misconstrued. The numberREFINEDof times I’ve heard someone say that there is a 6-month, 1-year, or any other length of time that serves as the determining factor, is more than I can count on my fingers and toes. So here is a reminder for those who are interested. Common law marriage has a 3-prong test. The first element is that the couple must have cohabitated. Next, the parties must hold themselves out as being married. Lastly,theremustbeanagreement between the parties.There is no time minimum for cohabitation; in fact, there is case law that shows a couple that spent one night together was enough to establish the marriage. To hold themselves out as married, a couple can do just many things; perhaps they filed taxes jointly, or maybe they opened a bank account and told the bank they were husband and wife. It could be as simple as checking a box on a form. Again, there is no minimum, they just have to hold themselves out once. The third prong is perhaps the most difficult. The parties, or party if only one person is trying to prove the marriage, mustChoose Your Procedure: Face • Breast Surgery• Body • Injectables • Abdominoplasty • LiposuctionWhat To Do About Wellness After 50R eaching one’s fiftieth birthday in optimal health is an accomplishment to be proud of. The hard work required to be healthy in midlife includes adhering to a nutritious diet and exercising regularly. Once individuals cross the threshold and enter their 50s, they can look to some additional strategies to maintain their physical and mental well-being for decades to come.• Get a pet. Many people 50 and older qualify as “empty nesters,” a term applied to adults whose children have grown up and moved out of their homes. Some empty nesters experience a phenomenon known as “empty nest syndrome,” which the Mayo Clinic notes can be marked by feelings of sadness or loss. Pets can help people over 50 with no children at home overcome feelings linked to empty nest syndrome. In 2018, the University of Michigan NationalJuly 2023Poll on Healthy Aging found that 86 percent of pet owners felt their pets make them feel loved while 73 percent said their pets provided a sense of purpose. Pets also can ensure individuals over 50 stay physically active and provide opportunities to connect with other people.• Prioritize learning. Whether it’s taking music lessons, going back to school or mastering a new hobby, learning has a profound effect on aging brains. For example, a 2013 study published in the journal Psychological Science found that memory function is improved by engagement in demanding everyday tasks. That study reported that people who learned new skills experienced greater memory improvement than people who only socialized or participated in activitiesPROFESSIONALhave an agreement that they were in fact married. This agreement does not have to be in writing, but there must be a way to show/prove the agreement if one party is disputing the fact. If you or someone you know has questions about this part of the law, we are happy to help answer questions at the Branch Law Firm.Crista Marichalar Branch, P.C.549 Heimer Rd., Suite 200 San Antonio, Texas 78232 (210) 229-2088 www.branchfamilylaw.comWellness - continued on page 13 www.stoneoakhighlights.comInteriorsExteriorsCall for an appointment to receive a consultation.(210) 942-6672ABLAVSKY PLASTIC SURGERY19222 Stonehue • Suite 104 • SA, TX 78246 www.ablavskyplasticsurgery.comDR. ABLAVSKYCall today!Stains - Cabinet Refinishingmagnapainting-stoneoak.comNow offering EPOXY Flooring! 11PaintingSERVICESOver 30 Years of Hands-On ExperienceMagna Paintingof Stonone Oak (210) 326-9687


































































































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