In the US, we often think of cohabitation as something done by young couples on the path to marriage. But the demographics on co-habitation is more complex than this. So are the things a couple should discuss when deciding how to cohabitate.
Changing Demographics
According to the US Census, cohabitation is up by 29% in the last decade. More striking is that the number of cohabiting people over 50 has increased 75% in the same time, per a study by the Pew Research Center. That’s a lot of cohabitation. (Read more about cohabitation over 50.)
Lots of Issues to Consider
One reason couples opt out of marriage because of the complex cluster of rules, laws, and expectations around the institution. Cohabitating couples still have laws to consider, but they mostly make up their own rules. Decisions about how to share living quarters, how to interact with family, how and when to make decisions, how to manage finances, and long-range planning are all critical and sensitive topics. But those topics need to be tackled clearly and with sensitivity.
Mediation can be an ideal forum to have those important and sensitive discussions. It provides a neutral and supported environment to raise issues, iron out differences, and come up with creative and balanced solutions that fit your unique relationship.
Contact me to talk about mediation for cohabitation.
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