We all know the saying about scorned women, and this month's column has the claim questions to prove it. As will be demonstrated, some people handle relationship break-ups with a certain lack of grace and aplomb. We've had many questions over the past few months concerning fianc?s, ex-spouses, ex-live-ins, current live-ins, and separated spouses. What makes these people insureds or just residents? And what about the separated — but not yet divorced — spouse? Who owns what?

Let's start at the beginning. The ISO HO 00 03 states that “you” and “your” refer to the “named insured” and the spouse if a resident of the same household. The definition of “insured” states that residents of the household who are relatives or persons under the age of 21 in the care of any person (an insured) is also an insured.

So what makes someone a spouse? It's a married person; someone joined in marriage according to law or custom. Obviously, a ceremony recognized by the state as a marriage or civil union with the proper documentation makes a couple married, but what about common law marriages and long-term relationships?

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