New Book Explores Trend toward Couples Not Marrying

The median age for a first marriage in the United States is higher than it has ever been, at 27.1% for men and 25.3% for women. Hannah Seligson recently wrote a book that explores the unmarried relationships of people in their twenties and thirties; the book is called A Little Bit Married: How to Know When It’s Time to Walk Down the Aisle or Out the Door. In it, she looks at the new types of relationships young people are forming – many look just like marriage, but without the trip down the aisle. The author reports that twelve million Americans are cohabitating in “unmarried committed relationships.”

But even people who are “a little bit married” are taking some of the same steps that their more traditional peers take before tying the knot. Cohabitants frequently create what looks like a prenuptial agreement, spelling out what assets were brought into the home by whom, and who is entitled to what in the case of a split. Read more about this author’s theories on why young people are not getting married atWhy We’re Not Getting Married.

If you are considering moving in with someone, you should be aware of your legal rights. A Florida family law attorney can help you draw up an agreement that protects your assets in the case of a split. Please contact our Jacksonville, Florida area law firm for legal counsel.