I heard in some states after people live together for 20 years they are considered
married or something like that…
I was lucky to have an attorney on standby to ask. I didn’t know but he said absolutely no way continuing. It made me always look at the names since then.
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You have to register as a common law couple in states that recognize common law. It’s not just automatic. At least not in the states I have lived in.
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@jennjoneis Great job with your attentiveness 
As with most items, the criteria for “being considered married” varies from region-to-region/state-to-state.
It’s best to avoid placing oneself betwixt & between!
Always check a reliable source for the information to avoid making any possible faulty presumptions that may be valid in one segment of the US and unheard of in another . . .
Just know that my usual expression to ensure that one “check with their hiring entity” also applies in this case, because responsibility of the final determination of the marital status relies upon their (Lender, Title Company, etc.) shoulders.
Keep up the Great work!
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Good advice to check reliable source Thanks
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Hopefully, you found the reference PDF file insightful & helpful in that regard. In general, I endeavor to have at least 3 different reliable reference sources to research in order to ensure clarification & validation. 
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Wow! Who underwrote this loan?
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I don’t remember who underwrote this one. It was drama town
You did not ask the marital status when you confirmed the apnt?
Personally, I never confirm marital status when I confirm the appointment. You don’t want to come off as intrusive is how I look at it. I confirm total number of signers.
@jennjoneis Too Funny! 
I simply LOVE the image those 2 words created! 
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when I said “per lender spouse must be present”
He responded with " She’ll be there"
He responded with false information
If he didn’t have a spouse that right there is a great time to say so
other wise it’s none of my business (notaries are uninterested third party vendors)
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It’s all fun and games until someone reads the “penalties for perjury” section 
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So true. They learned a lesson that day
I’ve never confirmed marital status during confirmation call. Suppose they’re just co-owning. I do let them know that two parties are required to be present and I confirm names of both.
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@abbottirene Thank You for sharing your direct experience. Yes, it was fortuitous to have an expert on Standby . . . An elucidating learning lesson.
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