More Couples Co-habitating Before Marriage

After years of increasing numbers, the divorce rate is finally starting to drop in the United States. One reason might be that more couples are deciding to live together before marriage.

Several studies have shown that couples who live together are more likely to separate before they get married. This is in comparison to those couples who get married and then co-habitate. By living together before marriage, couples are more likely to realize that marriage just isn't the right option for them, even if they had already been engaged while living together. Some researchers now believe that living together before marriage is acting as a "firewall" for marriage, preventing weaker couples from moving forward into matrimony.

As a result, fewer people are deciding to marry after living together, while those who live together after marriage are more likely to stay together. However, studies also show that 80 percent of people who are currently married did live with their spouse before matrimony.

Have questions about cohabitation or a related family law matter? Take the time to contact a family law attorney near you!