Hello, Jefe--When I was writing this, I learned that only 12 states 'acknowledge' common law marriages, and my state isn't one of them. Sounds like common law marriage will involve hoops to get benefits, IF they're even allowed.

What a cool 'extension' of the analogy! It's not 'any old lasagna will do' but the quality of the ingredients--the people in the marriage--for sure! :)