The essential basis of a putative marriage is a good faith belief in the existence
of a valid marriage at its inception and:
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in a life case, continuous good faith belief; or
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in a death case, good faith belief until the number holder dies.
If the child's marriage was a putative marriage in Louisiana, there can be no entitlement
for months before the termination of the putative relationship by acquisition of knowledge
of the defect in the marriage. For an explanation of Louisiana law, see GN 00305.085F.
A putative marriage in any other State that recognizes such marriages does not bar
entitlement to child's insurance benefits.
For more information on putative marriage, see GN 00305.085.