While it’s always been said that ‘Marriages are made in Heaven’ and marriage means a ‘Happily Ever After’, in recent years the dice is turning and young couples are opting for a live-in relationship instead. While it’s still not the norm, it is becoming more common than it was a decade ago.
So, what exactly is a live-in relationship and is it better than marriage? What are the legal implications of being in such a relationship? Is it still frowned upon or is more accepted by society? This article will answer all your queries on the pros and cons of a live-in relationship.
What Is A Live-In Relationship?
In simple terms, a live-in relationship is a non-formal alternative to marriage. The definition of such a relationship is: A living arrangement in which an unmarried couple lives together in a long-term relationship that resembles a marriage.
A slight variation of the same is a defacto relationship which is essentially the same kind of arrangement/ relationship, except that it is formally recognised in Australia under the Family Law Act 1975. Defacto relationships can be legally recognised whilst the couple lives within a state in Australia.
Why Do Couples Opt For A Live-In Relationship Over Marriage?
There are a number of reasons couples choose to live-in rather than tie the knot.
- They might want to test the waters before committing to a legal agreement. Will their relationship stand the test of time? Or at least the test of a few years? Are they really compatible as a couple in the long-term?
- The fear (and hassle) of divorce often scares some people and puts them off the idea of marriage. In the event the relationship breaks down, there would be no hassle or stigma of a divorce and it would be much easier to part ways.
- Some might prefer to remain single for personal reasons (not to be tied down or for financial independence).
What Are The Benefits Of A Live-In Relationship?
- More equality and financial independence
- Don’t have to follow societal norms – There is more freedom in such a relationship as a live-in couple is not expected to follow the set traditions and norms of a traditional marriage set-up.
- Mutual respect – As both partners are on the same level financially and aren’t tied down by a legal commitment, they tend to work harder on the relationship and respect one another more, as opposed to having set expectations or taking the other for granted.
What Legal Rights Does A Live-In Couple Have In The Event Of A Break-up?
Generally speaking, a live-in couple will have fewer rights as compared to a married couple. A common misconception that couples in a live-in relationship have is that they are protected by the same rights as a married couple (in the event of a separation). However, this is not the case and simply living together grants no legal status to couples.
However, they can formalise certain aspects of their relationship by drawing up a legal agreement called a ‘cohabitation contract’ or ‘living together agreement’, which outlines the rights and obligations of each partner. If going ahead with a living together agreement, it is also advisable to make a legal agreement about how to share property.
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