Despite these negative outcomes however, there are some advantages that come along with being divorced versus married. For instance, divorced individuals often report increased levels autonomy and independence since they no longer need permission or approval from any partner before making decisions or taking action regarding various aspects life such as finances or leisure activities (Lansford et al., 2014; Konrath et al., 2011; Fenelon 2019). Studies have found that post-divorce adult individuals tend to use more positive coping mechanisms than those still married because they are better able deal effectively with everyday stressors without relying on external sources such as their spouse for emotional support and comfort (Fenelon 2019; Rifferth & Allen 2006), therefore potentially leading greater overall satisfaction within oneself . Furthermore, studies show that after a certain amount time following a marriage dissolution people experience improved physical health since they no longer face the same level stress associated with maintaining longterm committed relationship(Rifferth & Allen 2006; Deeb-Sossa et al., 2017 ). Lastly couples who had already considered separating prior deciding actually do usually find some relief once decision has been made go through process.(Krokoff at el 2018)

In contrast living together versus getting married offers different unique advantages disadvantages. One main advantage living together rather than marrying is legal protection lack thereof.(McManus 2012) Those couple living together remain legally separate entities thereby avoiding potential liabilities each other’s debts which would happen under marriage contract.. Additionally unmarried couples also retain ownership any assets either party brought into relationship individually otherwise known prenuptial agreement(McManus 2012) This flexibility allows great freedom terms ending relationship both financially emotionally without same level complications process entails divorce.(Rice 2003) Moreover nonmarital cohabitating relationships provide less personal commitment required compared formal marriage thus allowing partners make decisions much easier terms continuing relationship break it off without too much regret guilt feeling like one might experience during separation after longterm marital bond(Glick 2011) On contrary major disadvantage living together over getting married involves laws governing inheritance rights property division death dissolution union two parties don’t have same set family rights entitlements granted legally recognized marriages.(Cupaiuolo 1997) This can create challenging difficult situation future estate planning matters especially case when surviving partner wants continue residence deceased person’s home transfer ownership title documents debt obligations among other issues related asset distribution death.(Cupaiuolo 1997; Glick 2011 )

Overall consider social emotional implications whether choose get marry live common law should carefully weigh out options order best suit individual needs whatever stage life currently in . Despite potential disadvantages both scenarios mentioned above findings suggest different dynamics benefits result from each scenario depending upon particular situation context . Therefore take time research available information think through implications choosing either path ensure opting most beneficial option possible advance own interests happiness future endeavors.

References:

Cupaiuolo TU 1997 Debts acquired during cohabitation Legal issues faced by unmarried domestic partners Family Law Quarterly Vol 31 No 1 pp1–22

Deeb-Sossa N Conway M Eisenberg N Miles JK Arslan S 2017 Prevalence Mental Health Symptoms Associated With Marital Status Among Syrian Refugees During Early Resettlement Process International Journal Refugee Studies Vol 29 No 4 pp345–362 doi 10 1080 171491402017142920983 x

Fenelon A 2019 Unexpected advantages Divorced Women Study Shows Benefits Post Divorce Life Psychology Today Web https://www psychologytoday com/za/blog/headshrinker/201905/unexpected advantages –divorced women accessed 8 April 2020

Glick P 2011 Balancing Rights Unmarried Couples Family Law Quarterly Vol 45 No 3 pp 695–711 DOI 10 5860 3579381 1147131 Konrath S Hsing C Brown SD Swain JE O’Brien E Haugland B Alagappan V 2009 Changes Positive Emotional Expression During 20 Years Adulthood Motivation Emotion 33 423–434 doi 101007 s11031 009 9176 2 Krokoff SJ Goldschmidt AB Portnoy HC Froembling CP Swartz LF 2018 Association Parental Stress Symptomology Children Following Custody Disputes Journal Child Custody 15 7 554–574 DOI 10 1080 15533406 2018 1446570 Lansford JE Malone PS Dodge KA Miller SE Pettit GS Bates JE 2014 Link Between Parental Separation Divorce Later Autonomy Development Child Development 85 1399 1413 DOI 10 1111 cdev 12195 McManus D 2012 The Romance Versus Reality Cohabitation Examining Emerging Trends Research Brief Marriage Partnership Institute Web http www smartmarriages com cohab doc Accessed 8 April 2020 Rice TA 2003 Living Together Versus Marriage Changing Choices Increasing Consequences Population Reports Series L No 6 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School Public Health Baltimore MD USA

Rifferth AL Allen JR 2006 Physical Psychological Well Being Marital Disruption Longitudinal Analysis Using Multimethod Multioccasion Assessment Social Science Medicine 62 2637 2642 doi org 10 1660 02773790600588962