If a couple lived together for two years before getting married, how is their marriage length determined?

The duration of the marriage is typically determined from the date of the marriage itself. However, in the context of family law, when answering this particular question, it is essential to understand the concept of cohabitation prior to marriage. When a couple cohabits for two years before getting married, those two years can be factored into specific legal considerations regarding their relationship, such as the length of the marriage for purposes such as spousal support or property division.

Choosing the option that includes both the duration of cohabitation and the duration of the marriage reflects an understanding that many jurisdictions acknowledge the time spent together before formalized marriage as an important aspect of the relationship's continuity. This perspective is particularly pertinent in cases where the nature of the couple's relationship may influence legal outcomes, such as in the establishment of common-law marriage rights or entitlements.

This approach recognizes the years spent together as significant to the relationship and often allows courts to consider these years in evaluating the couple's overall commitment and the implications of their separation or dissolution of marriage in legal terms.