New common-law marriages would no longer be recognized in South Carolina under a bill that cleared the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.

Unions entered into after Dec. 31 would not be recognized without a marriage license. The bill moves to the House floor for debate.

Common-law marriages "cause a lot of litigation," said Rep. Phil Sinclair, R-Spartanburg. "And people who believe they have protection of marriage, when it comes down to it, really don't."

Historically, common-law marriages arose of out lack of access to a notary public or justice of the peace, Sinclair said.