Question for legal minds here.

Suppose you are living with somebody for a few years and you see that the relationship is going south.

Even though you are not married, you stand to lose a lot due to common law marriage laws.

Here is my suggestion: Ask a good, trusted friend to marry you on paper only. Do not tell anybody. Hang on in you present situation until your partner initiate legal proceedings. Argue that she cannot "divorce" you, due to you already being married and thefor she does not have a claim against your estate.

Or option 2. After the sham marriage immediately move in with your new spouse.

Would this work?