Common Law Marriage Clarification

Summary

Common law marriage in Colorado can be established if a couple presents themselves as married. If your roommate claimed you as a spouse on benefit applications, it could affect your benefits. Verify your marital status, especially if you might still be married to a previous spouse. Consider contacting a local attorney for personalized advice.

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A year or more ago my roommate checked a box while applying for some snap benifits, that I was his wife. We are not married. I recently retired and have begun recieving my money at which point they started taking my roommates SSI stating I could support him. I request that our files be separate with regaurd to our benefits and now the human services dept. is stating that we have been receiving benefits as a married status and that if we seperate cases we have to sign saying we lied and lose our benefits for a year but according to Co. Lawwe are common law married. Is this legal, what can I do?
Have you ever presented yourself as a married couple to others or signed any documents stating you are married?

In Colorado, common law marriage can be established if a couple presents themselves as married.
I have not, however my roommate apparently has
What documents has your roommate signed that indicate you both are married?
I'm not sure, possibly SNAP, Sec. *, medicaid?
What state are you currently residing in? This will help me provide the most accurate information regarding your situation.
Colorado
What is your current living arrangement with your roommate? Are you sharing finances or living separately within the same residence?
I don't know what he may have checked and the dept. won't specify. It is possible that this is true about 10 years ago we were dating but he and I split and only remain friends and roommates. I also have not been able to determine this, but I could still be married to my last husband whom I separated from about 15 years ago
Have you officially filed for divorce from your last husband? This could impact your legal status and potential benefits.
No I have been unable to find out from him or state documents if he has persude one
Have you tried contacting your local county clerk's office to check for a divorce record? They usually have this information.
I have but there is no info. However I am unsure of what county he may have filed in. We were married in MN. I checked with that county as well but no info
Have you considered hiring a private investigator or using an online service to locate divorce records?

- In Minnesota, divorce records are public and can be accessed by anyone.
- Hennepin County District Court: (*) *-*, * South 6th St, Minneapolis, MN *.