They call it the “Cohabitation Effect” — study after study performed over the past forty years has found that that living together before marriage leads to a much higher risk of divorce. Some researchers have concluded that the risk of divorce is 33% higher for people who cohabit before marriage than for those who elect not to live together until they are married.
But wait — statistics sometimes lie . . . or maybe the problem is that experts can look at a set of statistics and come to an erroneous conclusion.
In a recent study, the nonpartisan Council on Contemporary Families looked deeper into all the old statistics and found something different. They concluded that the age of a couple when they move in together is a stronger predictor of divorce than simple cohabitation. The longer a couple waits to make such a serious commitment, the better the chance that the marriage will last.
Of course, it’s just common sense. A couple of 25-30 year-olds who decide to live together are more likely to have a lasting relationship than two 18 year-olds. They’re older, wiser, more mature, and probably more financially independent.
Do we really need an expensive research study to provide the same advice that our grandparents would have given us for free?
“Wait until you’re ready.”
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/03/the-science-of-cohabitation-a-step-toward-marriage-not-a-rebellion/284512/
Gary J. Frank is an attorney and mediator with over thirty years of Family Law experience in dealing with divorce, custody, and parenting issues. For many years he acted as a Judge Pro Tempore in the Maricopa County Superior Court, which gave him an insight into the inner workings of the courts that many attorneys lack. His office is located in the Biltmore area of central Phoenix, with satellite offices in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, Arizona. He can be reached by telephone (602-922-9989); or through his website at www.famlawaz.com. If you are in need of a consultation regarding any area of Family Law, please do not hesitate to contact us today.
Let's Discuss Your Case - We're Here For You.
When dealing with a family matter issue, you do not have to go at it alone. Schedule your comprehensive attorney consultation now and we can discuss the entire case.
Let's Discuss Your Case - We're Here For You.
When dealing with a family matter issue, you do not have to go at it alone. Give us a call and we can discuss the entire case during a comprehensive attorney consultation.