Once proved or declared, an informal marriage has the same validity as a ceremonial marriage and can be dissolved only by death, annulment, or divorce. A claim of informal marriage is subject to time limitations.

A common-law or informal marriage between a man and woman may be proved by evidence that:

• A declaration of an informal marriage was signed and filed with the county clerk; or,
• A man and woman agreed to be married and after the agreement they lived together in Texas as husband and wife and represented to others that they were married.