Living Together Before Marriage

By Chad Foster, Family Law Attorney · Updated July 17, 2026

America’s Attitude Towards Cohabiting Before Marriage Has Shifted

Fifty years ago, cohabiting with one’s significant other before marriage was often described in pejorative terms and considered immoral. Today, the cultural landscape is markedly different. Cohabitation before marriage has become mainstream, with research showing that most new marriages in the United States are preceded by couples living together. Public opinion has shifted as well: while nearly half of Americans disapproved of cohabitation in the early 1980s, recent surveys indicate that the majority now view it as acceptable.

Conflicting Studies

Academic research continues to debate the long-term impact of premarital cohabitation. Earlier studies suggested that couples who lived together before marriage had a lower divorce rate in the first year but a higher rate after five years. More recent analyses, however, indicate that premarital cohabitation is no longer strongly linked to divorce risk once factors such as age, education, and religiosity are considered. In fact, since the early 2000s, some studies have found that cohabitation may be associated with greater marital stability when couples enter into it with clear intentions and maturity.

Age Matters

Age at the time of cohabitation or marriage remains a significant factor. Couples who move in together before the age of 23 have been shown to face a higher likelihood of divorce compared to those who wait until later in life. This finding underscores that timing and readiness often matter more than the act of cohabitation itself.

The Reason You Move in Together

The motivations behind cohabitation can shape outcomes. For some, living together is a deliberate step toward marriage. For others, it may be driven by financial convenience or circumstance. Research highlights that couples who move in together without a clear, shared commitment may experience dissatisfaction or feel “stuck” due to what scholars call the “inertia effect.” As lives become intertwined—through shared housing, finances, or even pets—leaving the relationship can feel more difficult, sometimes leading couples to marry even if the relationship is not ideal.

Implications for Family Law in Snohomish County

In Snohomish County family law, cohabitation can have practical implications, especially in divorce and property division cases. Courts in King County, Snohomish County, and surrounding areas such as Seattle, Bellevue, and Everett often consider the length and nature of a couple’s cohabitation when evaluating claims related to property, support, or custody. Understanding the social and legal dynamics of cohabitation is essential for individuals navigating family law matters in this region.

If you are considering how cohabitation may affect your future or are facing family law issues in King County or Snohomish County, I can provide guidance tailored to your situation. Contact me directly at 425.785.8679 to discuss your case.