A state appeals judge is urging lawmakers to end the practice of common-law marriage in Alabama.

Civil Appeals Judge Terri Willingham Thomas issued a dissenting opinion in a divorce case Friday saying the practice of recognizing weddings without a marriage license or ceremony is outdated.

Thomas says common-law marriages are legally cumbersome and lead to confusion and court fights. She says anyone can get married now, so common-law marriage isn't needed.

The opinion came in a case from Shelby County where a woman challenged a lower court decision that concluded she wasn't married by common law to her longtime partner. The appeals court upheld the decision, ruling there wasn't public recognition of the couple's relationship as a marriage.

Thomas says legislators should consider ending the practice in Alabama.