In this episode of Divorce After 50, Shari Frasure explains what common law marriage really means and how Kentucky treats it. Learn the differences between formal and common law marriages, why Kentucky doesn’t create new common law marriages, how out-of-state common law unions may be recognized, and what that means for property, retirement, and spousal rights—especially after age 50.

Shari offers practical steps to protect yourself financially and legally, resources for older adults, and guidance on where to get help, including attorneys, legal aid, and support services.

Kentucky common law marriage is one of those topics where what people believe and what the law actually says are two very different things. In this Divorce After 50 episode, real estate transition specialist Shari Frasure breaks down how Kentucky really treats common law marriage so you can protect yourself, your home, and your future.

We’ll cover:

• What common law marriage actually means in the states that still recognize it

• Why Kentucky does not allow new common law marriages and hasn’t for a very long time

• The one narrow exception for out‑of‑state common law marriages (and why those cases get so complicated)

• How the lack of a legal marriage can affect divorce options, spousal rights, property, retirement accounts, and shared assets after 50

• Practical steps to protect yourself: checking the deed, using written agreements, creating a will or trust, and getting qualified legal advice

This episode is for long‑term partners, later‑life couples, and anyone in Kentucky who has “lived like” they were married and wants clear, plain‑English guidance on what that really means in a courtroom or at the closing table. You’ll also hear where to find legal aid, bar association referrals, and support resources for older adults navigating separation or divorce.

Shari is not an attorney and this podcast is not legal advice, but it will help you ask better questions, understand your risk, and have more informed conversations with your lawyer and financial team.

Divorce after 50 isn’t just a legal or financial change—it impacts your body, your confidence, and your outlook on love and life. In today’s conversation with Kathleen Yorke, an expert in healing pain and rebuilding confidence, we dove into how emotional stress affects your body, simple ways to start caring for yourself again, and how opening up to new possibilities—even dating—can lead to unexpected joy. Remember, the end of one chapter can be the beginning of your best one yet.