Dozack v. Dozack

OPINION OF THE COURT

Casey, J.

At issue on this appeal is whether Supreme Court erred in *318finding that a valid common-law marriage exists between the parties under Pennsylvania law, a marriage which will be recognized by this State (see, Matter of Mott v Duncan Petroleum Trans., 51 NY2d 289, 292). It is conceded that, since plaintiff was still married to another person when she began to cohabit with defendant in Pennsylvania, the relationship was illicit or meretricious at its inception. Under Pennsylvania law, such a relationship is presumed to continue in like manner until the obstacle to a…