Tarnowski v. Lieberman

The estate of John Robert Harley, III appeals from the probate court’s determination, as affirmed by the circuit court, that Harley and Lori Tarnowski were married at common law. It contends the probate court erred in finding a common law marriage absent a showing of cohabitation. We affirm.

FACTS

Harley and Tarnowski met in June 1998. At that time, Tarnowski was employed as a park ranger at Jones Gap State Park. As part of her employment, she was required to spend most nights at the park. Nevertheless, she and Harley began dating, and within a few months, she was spending most of her free time…