Review the Texas Informal Marriage Statute (SUBCHAPTER E. MARRIAGE WITHOUT FORMALITIES: Sec. 2.401. PROOF OF INFORMAL MARRIAGE), and Russell v. Russell, 865 S.W.2d 929, 1993 Tex. LEXIS 153, 37 Tex. Sup. J. 193Links to an external site.

2) Compare and contrast Marvin v. Marvin in to Russell and the Texas Statute. What are the similarities and what are the differences.

3) What does the statute provide to avoid any of the uncertainty that informal marriages can present. What steps should one take to comply with the statute and still not require a formal marriage?

4) Would these same principles apply to same sex partners cohabiting. Explain why or why not?

5) Do you believe that informal marriages should be recognized? Why or why not?