Question

What type of marriage is generally not recognized until there is a dispute over property or upon the death of one of the parties?

Answer 1

common law marriage
The marriage has the following characteristics:
There is no marriage license issued by a government and no marriage certificate filed with a government There is no formal ceremony to solemnize the marriage before witnessesThe parties must hold themselves out to the world as spouses (this is not a requirement of statutory marriage)Most jurisdictions require the parties to be cohabiting at the time the common-law marriage is formed.