The number
of people who choose to cohabit without getting married has been on the
increase several years now.
However, if you are part of a couple that currently lives together or
co-habits, then you must know that your relationship has a higher risk of
failure compared to married couples.
New research finds that unmarried cohabiting couples may not necessarily
have a long-term commitment to each other.
The study by
the Rand Corporation finds that unmarried couples living together have much
lower levels of commitment to each other, compared to married couples who live
together.
That is
definitely bad news for persons who are in cohabiting relationships. These relationships can offer very low
levels of protection and security for the partners involved, and if the
relationship breaks down, the cohabiting partners may be at huge risk of
financial stress and struggle, especially if they have not bothered to sign a cohabitation
agreement.
It is highly
recommended that you and your partner sign a cohabitation agreement that
clearly outlines all your rights, obligations and duties in
black and white. A written, legal
document like this is enforceable, and can help protect your rights if the
relationship ends.
For
instance, one of the more common issues that arise when a cohabiting
relationship ends is the division of any assets that were accumulated by the
couple during their relationship together. Other issues may have to do with the custody of children
that were born during the relationship.
These issues must be addressed much in advance, and San Jose family lawyers recommend that you deal with these matters in
the form of a cohabitation agreement.
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