Common Law Marriages

The percentage of unmarried couples 65 and older has risen significantly. Here are some of the reasons senior citizens are choosing living together rather than marriage.

Financial Reasons Seniors are Cohabiting
• Tax disincentives.
• Loss of military and pension benefits.
• Fear of incurring liability for partner's medical expenses.
• Credit rating protection.
• Separation of current debt.
• Ability to share expenses.
• Health insurance.
• Social Security benefits.

Personal Reasons Seniors are Cohabiting

• Anti-marriage attitude from previous unhappy marital experience.
• Lack of concern about what others think.
• Love and friendship.
• Children's inheritance concerns.