First, there is NO COMMON LAW MARRIAGE in Illinois.

For States that do recognize common law marriage, two individuals, whether they live together or not, must both be present in that state AND need to (preferably in the presence of witnesses) announce to each other that they are, then and there, marrying the other, and that it is their voluntary intention is to be husband and wife. They are then officially married despite the fact that there may not even be a formal marriage license and no state official present conducting the “ceremony”.

Common law marriages were permitted in Illinois until sometime in the 1920′s and when recognized were just as valid (and enforceable) as a “standard” marriage with all the bells and whistles (and marriage certificate).

Today there are only a few states that still recognize a common law marriage–and Illinois is NOT one of them.  If you are residing with your paramour in Illinois, and do not have an official marriage license recorded somewhere (IE. Timbuktu County, State of Somewhere) you probably aren’t married.