Many Texans believe that if a couple lives together before marriage, they will be less likely to divorce. However, new research indicates that cohabitation may actually decrease the likelihood of long-term matrimony.
The study is based on data gleaned from surveys conducted with women younger than 45 in their first marriages between 1970 to 2015. The purpose of the study was to determine the importance of the ‘premarital cohabitation effect” on a long-term marital relationship.
The data is consistent with separate studies in the area when applied to the first year of marriage. Spouses who previously cohabitated we’re more likely to stay together in year one. But for subsequent years, these same couples experienced a higher divorce rate. The increased marital failure rate was higher for each separate year after the first year of marriage.
According to the authors, other studies focused merely on the short-term premarital cohabitation effect. This has led to biased results. The new report, which was published in September, contradicts the notions commonly held by many couples.
No two marriages are identical. Likewise, no two divorce cases are the same. Each divorce will have its own issues that are unique to the couple. For some, financial issues may be paramount. For others, an issue such as the education of the minor children may be the prime issue. When retaining a family law attorney, it is important to determine the core issues. Though all issues in the case will be addressed by the attorney, the primary issues in the mind of the client will be emphasized.
