Ohio Code § 3105.12

§ 3105.12.

(A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, proof of cohabitation and reputation

of the marriage of a man and woman is competent evidence to prove their marriage,

and, in the discretion of the court, that proof may be sufficient to establish their

marriage for a particular purpose. (B)(1) On and after October 10, 1991, except as provided in divisions (B)(2) and (3) of

this section, common law marriages are prohibited in this state, and the marriage

of a man and woman may occur in this state only if the marriage is solemnized by a

person described in section 3101.08 of the Revised Code and only if the marriage otherwise is in compliance with Chapter 3101. of the Revised

Code. (2) Common law marriages that occurred in this state prior to October 10, 1991, and that

have not been terminated by death, divorce, dissolution of marriage, or annulment

remain valid on and after October 10, 1991. (3) Common law marriages that satisfy all of the following remain valid on and after

October 10, 1991: (a) They came into existence prior to October 10, 1991, or come into existence on or

after that date, in another state or nation that recognizes the validity of common

law marriages in accordance with all relevant aspects of the law of that state or

nation. (b) They have not been terminated by death, divorce, dissolution of marriage, annulment,

or other judicial determination in this or another state or in another nation. (c) They are not otherwise deemed invalid under section 3101.01 of the Revised Code . (4) On and after October 10, 1991, all references in the Revised Code to common law marriages

or common law marital relationships, including the references in sections 2919.25 , 3113.31 , and 3113.33 of the Revised Code , shall be construed to mean only common law marriages as described in divisions (B)(2)

and (3) of this section.