Your Guide To Cohabitation Over Marriage
A recent study found that nearly 70% of US adults say they are happily cohabiting without any plans to get married.
So why choose cohabitation over marriage? What are the benefits? For a start, cohabitation can still give couples the same rights and responsibilities as marriage. Cohabitation also gives couples time to get to know each other better before making it permanent.
If you’re wondering what cohabitation is and how it could help you avoid marriage issues, this article is for you. We’ll give you an easy-to-understand overview of all the aspects of living together vs. being married. This will help you make an educated decision on what’s best for you.
If you’re considering cohabitating instead of marrying, continue reading.
Why Choose Cohabitation over Marriage
Cohabitation agreements can be highly beneficial for couples living together. It offers a multitude of advantages. Here are just some of the perks these arrangements present.
Marriage problems are genuine problems. Splitting up can be a complex process if you’re married. You can sign a prenup or have a plan if the worst happens.
One of the benefits of a cohabitation agreement will provide clarity and security for both parties. In addition, it makes the transition to marriage less stressful. With an agreement already in place, your life will become much more if you decide to part ways.
Another benefit to cohabiting is that it can release any tensions about money. Combating money-induced feuds is a real benefit. Time, energy, and cost savings are one of the many benefits that come with choosing cohabitation.
A cohabitation agreement could help you avoid the costly and time-consuming process of legal action. This will save you a lot of money in the long run.
A Step Toward Marriage
In recent years there has been less pressure to get married so soon into a relationship. Many couples spend years cohabiting to ensure that they are compatible.
Many married adults live with their spouses before marriage. Living together before they are formally engaged lets them work on commitment. This can be a natural stepping stone towards eventual matrimony.
Establish Their Partner’s Finances
Many unmarried cohabiters specify that the primary cause of their lack of engagement or marriage is to do with their current partner is financial inadequacy.
Many couples delay marriage because one partner’s job or career needs to be farther along.
This creates a sense of insecurity in the other partner. It can lead them to doubt that they want to be dedicated to the potential lifetime commitment of marriage.
Cohabitation Gives a Chance to Trial Run Married Life
Many couples who cohabitate before exchanging their vows are likelier to have a successful marriage than those who do not live together before tying the knot.
This experience provides an opportunity to see what each person would be like as a married partner. It’s imperative to observe their reactions in difficult situations.
Marriage Isn’t Necessary to Raise Children
An overwhelming majority of Americans feel that unmarried couples living together are equally capable of raising children as married couples.
However, many still believe that there is something to be said for a stable home life engendered by marriage when it comes to providing young ones with an ideal upbringing.
Marriage Isn’t Essential to Live a Fulfilling Life
It allows each person to commit to the relationship because they want to as opposed they are legally bound. This often allows for more flexibility within the relationship.
Cohabiters often have more freedom to dedicate to careers and free time while still having many benefits of married life.
Cohabitation provides meaningful connections between two people without any legal responsibilities or obligations.
Why People Choose Not to Get Married
Many people have a fear of commitment making marriage an intimidating prospect. Being tied down to one person for life can be overwhelming and unnerving for these individuals.
Certain life events, such as job loss or major illness, can leave individuals uncertain about their future, making marriage seem like an uncertain prospect. Similarly, financial uncertainty may cause some couples to postpone a big wedding or decide that marriage isn’t necessary now.
Although marriage doesn’t necessarily mean saying goodbye to independence, many people enjoy their freedom and do not want to give it up just yet!
Rules Cohabiters Should Abide By
Although you must establish ground rules personally to ensure everyone knows what type of behavior is expected. There are some other legalities to consider; this depends on the state you’re living in.
Common Law Marriage – Does NJ Have Common Law Marriage
In 1939, New Jersey abolished the legal recognition of common-law marriage. If an unmarried couple decides to separate or break up, the state’s laws governing spousal support and equitable property distribution will not apply.
Couples who are no longer together in a non-statutory union may struggle with financial matters such as alimony and the division of assets.
Alimony and Proof of Cohabitation in New Jersey
In legal terms, if an alimony payor can demonstrate to a court that their ex has started living with another individual, the court may absolve them of any further alimony payments. This is the same as in cases where the recipient enters into marriage and is, after that, ineligible for receiving these funds.
Thinking of Cohabitation Over Marriage?
So, why choose cohabitation over marriage? As you’ve just read, cohabitation can be an excellent choice for couples who want to build a strong relationship before marriage. Cohabiting allows partners to trial-run married life and gives each partner the freedom to establish their finances before taking on such a big step as marriage.
Despite the advantages, unmarried couples living together must be aware of state laws regarding cohabitation. If you need legal help understanding your rights under New Jersey law when it comes to matters like this, contact Dalena & Bosch today!