Cohabitation without the benefit of marriage is often viewed as an end-state, and not a legitimate form of pre-marriage. It is believed by some academic researchers that lawmakers need to clarify the treatment of cohabitating families and recognize cohabitation as a legitimate and viable family form. While cohabitation unions may on the rise, this is not necessarily due to the fact that these couples reject marriage, instead they are less likely to see marriage as a defining characteristic of their family lives.
In actuality there are many cohabitation partnerships that last longer and have more committed partners than legitimate marriages, while on the other hand, many legitimate marriages end in divorce within the first two years after the wedding. Therefore, the question arises of whom are the most committed to each other, cohabitating or married couples? This is a thought that should be taken seriously by lawmakers in countries where cohabitation is a part of society.
There is a rising trend in employers and health insurance agencies extending what would normally be spousal benefits to couples who are in a long-term committed relationship with a Cohabitation Agreement. This is a much-needed step forward in the acceptance of cohabitation arrangements, and in recognizing that these types of couples are often as committed, if not more so than those who are legally married.
With divorce rates on the rise, can it be, perhaps, that cohabitation should be as a legitimate pre-step to legal marriage as most couples that cohabitate tend to take commitment to each other more seriously than those who do not?
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