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The Texas VS-180.1 form serves as a formal declaration and registration of informal marriage in the state of Texas. This document is crucial for couples who wish to legally recognize their informal marriage, which can occur without a traditional marriage ceremony. The form requires detailed personal information from both applicants, including their names, addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. Additionally, each applicant must confirm their relationship status, specifically indicating whether they are related to one another in certain ways that would preclude marriage. A significant aspect of the form is the declaration that both parties agree to be married and have lived together as a married couple, presenting themselves as such to others. It is essential to note that falsifying information on this document is a serious offense, carrying potential penalties of imprisonment and fines. The form must be signed by both applicants and is then submitted to the county clerk for official registration. This process not only validates the couple's commitment but also provides legal recognition of their marital status in Texas.

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DECLARATION AND REGISTRATION OF INFORMAL MARRIAGE,
__________________COUNTY, TEXAS
The form and content of this application is prescribed by section 2.004 of the Texas Family Code.
WARNING: IT IS A FELONY TO FALSIFY INFORMATION ON THIS DOCUMENT. THE PENALTY FOR KNOWINGLY MAKING A FALSE STATEMENT ON THIS
FORM OR FOR SIGNING A FORM WHICH CONTAINS A FALSE STATEMENT IS 2 TO 10 YEARS IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF UP TO $10,000. (HEALTH AND
SAFETY CODE, CHAPTER 195, SEC. 195.003)
Applicant One
First Name
Middle Name
Current Last Name
Suffix
Woman’s Maiden Name (If Applicable)
Telephone Number
Street Address
State
Zip
Date of Birth
Place of Birth (including city, county and state)
Social Security Number
I am not related to the other applicant as: □ TRUE □ FALSE
an ancestor or descendant, by blood or adoption;
a brother or sister, of the whole or half blood or by adoption;
a parent's brother or sister, of the whole or half blood or by adoption;
a son or daughter of a brother or sister, of the whole or half blood or by adoption;
a current or former stepchild or stepparent; or
a son or daughter of a parent's brother or sister, of the whole or half blood or by adoption;
I solemnly swear (or affirm) that we, the undersigned, are married to each other by virtue of the following facts: on or about
____________________ we agreed to be married, and after that date we lived together as a married couple and in this state
represented to others that we were married. Since the date of marriage to the other party I have not been married to any other
person. This declaration is true and the information in it which I have given is correct.
Applicant’s Signature and Date Signed
Applicant Two
First Name
Middle Name
Current Last Name
Suffix
Woman’s Maiden Name (If Applicable)
Telephone Number
Street Address
State
Zip
Date of Birth
Place of Birth (including city, county and state)
Social Security Number
I am not related to the other applicant as: □ TRUE □ FALSE
an ancestor or descendant, by blood or adoption;
a brother or sister, of the whole or half blood or by adoption;
a parent's brother or sister, of the whole or half blood or by adoption;
a son or daughter of a brother or sister, of the whole or half blood or by adoption;
a current or former stepchild or stepparent; or
a son or daughter of a parent's brother or sister, of the whole or half blood or by adoption;
I solemnly swear (or affirm) that we, the undersigned, are married to each other by virtue of the following facts: on or about
____________________ we agreed to be married, and after that date we lived together as a married couple and in this state
represented to others that we were married. Since the date of marriage to the other party I have not been married to any other
person. This declaration is true and the information in it which I have given is correct.
Applicant’s Signature and Date Signed
For County Clerk Office Use Only
Subscribed and sworn to before me on ________________________, 20_____ at _______________am/pm
______________________________________ County Clerk ___________________County, Texas
By ___________________________________ Deputy
Applicant One Identification Type (ID & Age)___________________________________ License Number _______________________
Applicant Two Identification Type (ID & Age)___________________________________ Volume _______________ Page _______________
VS-180.1 Rev. 06/2015
➤ PDF File

Form Specifications

Fact Name Description
Governing Law The Texas VS-180.1 form is governed by Section 2.004 of the Texas Family Code.
Purpose This form is used for the declaration and registration of an informal marriage in Texas.
Falsification Warning It is a felony to falsify information on this document, with penalties including imprisonment and fines.
Required Information Applicants must provide personal details, including names, birth dates, and social security numbers.
Relationship Disclosure Applicants must affirm that they are not related by blood or adoption to the other party.
Signature Requirement Both applicants must sign the form, affirming the truth of the information provided.

Texas Vs 180 1: Usage Guidelines

Completing the Texas VS 180 1 form requires careful attention to detail. This form is essential for declaring and registering an informal marriage in Texas. It is important to provide accurate information to avoid any legal complications. Below are the steps to fill out the form correctly.

  1. Begin by writing the name of the county where you are filing the form at the top of the document.
  2. In the first section, enter the first name, middle name, current last name, and suffix (if applicable) of the first applicant.
  3. Provide the maiden name of the first applicant's mother, if applicable.
  4. Fill in the telephone number of the first applicant.
  5. Complete the street address, city, state, and zip code for the first applicant.
  6. Enter the date of birth and place of birth (including city, county, and state) for the first applicant.
  7. Include the social security number of the first applicant.
  8. Indicate whether the first applicant is related to the second applicant by checking either "TRUE" or "FALSE."
  9. In the next section, write the date on which both parties agreed to be married.
  10. Confirm that you have lived together as a married couple and represented yourselves as married since that date.
  11. State that the first applicant has not been married to anyone else since the date of marriage to the second applicant.
  12. Sign and date the declaration for the first applicant.
  13. Repeat steps 2 through 11 for the second applicant, entering their information in the corresponding fields.
  14. For the county clerk's office use, leave the designated area blank for the clerk to fill out.
  15. Finally, ensure that both applicants have provided the necessary identification type and license number in the appropriate sections.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the Texas VS 180 1 form?

The Texas VS 180 1 form is a legal document used to declare and register an informal marriage in Texas. It is prescribed by section 2.004 of the Texas Family Code. This form allows couples to formally acknowledge their marriage without the need for a traditional marriage license.

Who needs to fill out the Texas VS 180 1 form?

Couples who wish to declare their informal marriage in Texas must fill out this form. Both parties must sign the document, affirming that they have agreed to be married and have lived together as a married couple.

What information is required on the form?

The form requires personal information from both applicants, including their names, addresses, dates of birth, places of birth, and Social Security numbers. Additionally, both individuals must confirm their relationship status and affirm that they are not related in certain ways, such as by blood or adoption.

What are the legal consequences of falsifying information on this form?

It is a felony to provide false information on the Texas VS 180 1 form. Individuals who knowingly make false statements may face severe penalties, including imprisonment for 2 to 10 years and fines up to $10,000.

How do I submit the Texas VS 180 1 form?

The completed form must be submitted to the county clerk's office in the county where the couple resides. It is important to ensure that both parties sign the form in front of a notary or county clerk to validate the declaration.

Is there a fee associated with filing the form?

Yes, there may be a fee for filing the Texas VS 180 1 form. The exact amount can vary by county, so it is advisable to check with the local county clerk's office for the current fee structure.

Can we still obtain a marriage license after filing this form?

Yes, filing the Texas VS 180 1 form does not prevent couples from obtaining a traditional marriage license. Some couples may choose to do both, depending on their personal preferences or legal needs.

What should we do if we need to make changes to the information on the form?

If changes are necessary after submitting the Texas VS 180 1 form, couples should contact the county clerk's office for guidance on how to correct or amend the information. It is important to ensure that all information is accurate and up to date.

Common mistakes

  1. Incomplete Information: Applicants often leave sections of the form blank. Each field is important and must be filled out completely to avoid delays in processing.

  2. Incorrect Personal Details: Errors in names, dates of birth, or social security numbers can lead to complications. Ensure that all personal information matches official documents.

  3. Misunderstanding Relationship Status: Some individuals may incorrectly answer the question about their relationship to the other applicant. It is crucial to provide accurate information regarding familial connections.

  4. Failure to Sign and Date: Omitting signatures or dates can invalidate the form. Both applicants must sign and date the declaration to confirm its authenticity.

Documents used along the form

The Texas VS-180.1 form is an essential document for couples seeking to declare and register their informal marriage. However, several other forms and documents are often used in conjunction with it to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to facilitate the marriage process. Below is a brief overview of these related documents.

  • Marriage License Application: This application is required for couples intending to marry. It collects personal information about both parties and is typically submitted to the county clerk's office. A marriage license must be obtained before a formal marriage ceremony can take place.
  • Affidavit of Informal Marriage: This document serves as a sworn statement that the couple meets the criteria for an informal marriage under Texas law. It is often submitted alongside the VS-180.1 form to provide additional verification of the couple's relationship.
  • Certificate of Marriage: Once a marriage is legally recognized, a certificate is issued. This document serves as official proof of the marriage and may be required for various legal purposes, such as name changes or benefits applications.
  • Proof of Identity Documents: Couples may need to provide identification, such as a driver's license or passport, to verify their identities when submitting the VS-180.1 form and other related documents. This ensures that all information is accurate and complies with legal standards.

These documents work together to support the legal recognition of a marriage in Texas. It is crucial to ensure that all forms are completed accurately and submitted as required to avoid any legal complications in the future.

Similar forms

The Texas Vs 180 1 form, which is used for the declaration and registration of informal marriage, shares similarities with several other legal documents. Each of these documents serves specific purposes in various legal contexts. Below is a list of nine documents that are comparable to the Texas Vs 180 1 form:

  • Marriage License Application: This document is required to legally marry in Texas. It collects similar personal information and requires both parties to affirm their intent to marry.
  • Divorce Petition: This form initiates the legal process of divorce. It also requires personal information and declarations about the marriage, similar to the Texas Vs 180 1 form.
  • Affidavit of Common Law Marriage: This document serves to affirm a common law marriage, detailing the couple's agreement and cohabitation, akin to the informal marriage declaration.
  • Declaration of Domestic Partnership: This form is used to establish a domestic partnership, requiring personal details and affirmations of the relationship, similar to the marriage declaration.
  • Child Custody Agreement: This document outlines the custody arrangement for children after separation or divorce. It requires personal information and declarations about the parents' relationship.
  • Power of Attorney Form: This document grants someone authority to act on another's behalf. It collects identifying information and requires signatures, much like the marriage declaration.
  • Living Will: This document outlines an individual's healthcare preferences. It requires personal information and a declaration of intent, similar to the Texas Vs 180 1 form.
  • Property Deed: This document transfers ownership of property and requires the personal information of the parties involved, paralleling the identification requirements of the marriage form.
  • Beneficiary Designation Form: This form allows individuals to name beneficiaries for accounts or insurance policies. It requires personal information and declarations, similar to the Texas Vs 180 1 form.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Texas VS 180 1 form, it's essential to follow certain guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here’s a list of what you should and shouldn’t do:

  • Do provide accurate information. Double-check all names, dates, and personal details before submitting.
  • Do ensure both applicants sign the form. Signatures are mandatory for validation.
  • Do indicate your relationship status clearly. Use the checkboxes accurately to avoid confusion.
  • Do include your social security numbers. This is a crucial part of the identification process.
  • Don't leave any sections blank. Fill in every required field to prevent delays.
  • Don't falsify any information. Misrepresentation can lead to severe legal consequences, including imprisonment.

Misconceptions

Understanding the Texas VS 180.1 form is important for anyone considering informal marriage in Texas. However, there are several misconceptions that can lead to confusion. Here are four common misconceptions:

  • It is the same as a traditional marriage license. Many believe the VS 180.1 form functions like a standard marriage license. In reality, it is a declaration of informal marriage, which requires proof of cohabitation and mutual agreement to be married.
  • Falsifying information is a minor issue. Some think that providing false information on this form is not a serious matter. However, it is a felony that can lead to 2 to 10 years in prison and hefty fines.
  • You can use this form even if you are currently married to someone else. There is a belief that individuals can declare an informal marriage while still being legally married to another person. This is incorrect; you must not be married to anyone else at the time of declaration.
  • It's a simple process with no legal implications. Many assume that filing this form is straightforward and without consequences. However, it is a legal declaration that carries significant responsibilities and implications for both parties involved.

Being informed about these misconceptions can help ensure that you navigate the process correctly and understand the legal ramifications involved.

Key takeaways

Here are some important points to remember when filling out and using the Texas VS 180.1 form:

  • The form is used to declare and register an informal marriage in Texas.
  • Ensure all information is accurate. Falsifying information is a serious offense that can lead to imprisonment and fines.
  • Both applicants must provide their full names, including any suffixes or maiden names.
  • Include current contact information, such as telephone numbers and addresses.
  • Each applicant must confirm they are not related to the other in certain specified ways.
  • Both parties need to affirm that they have agreed to be married and have lived together as a married couple.
  • Sign and date the form. Both signatures are required for it to be valid.
  • After completion, the form must be submitted to the County Clerk for official recording.

Following these steps will help ensure a smooth process in declaring your informal marriage. If you have any questions, it’s best to consult with a legal professional for guidance.