Increasingly, couples are choosing to not get married while assuming all the outward appearances of marriage, including a mortgage, common debt, and children. According to the most recent census, both men and women are delaying marriage longer than ever. Since 1996, the number of cohabitating couples has more than doubled.

Such relationships and separations, obviously, are subject to the same hazards and difficulties as marriage and divorce, and maybe even more, particularly where there is no legal agreement between a couple defining what is to take place in the event of a breakup.

A recent article in St. Louis Today speaks about the case of a 46-year-old man who lived with his partner for several years before she suddenly called it quits. During their time together, they made significant purchases together. As a result, the breakup was much more difficult, as they struggled to work out the details of who is responsible for what, without any legal agreements.

According to sources, almost half of divorce lawyers who participated in a survey conducted by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers reported that they have seen increased numbers of couples who previously lived together battling it out in court after breaking up. Also, 39 percent of the participants noted an increase in cohabitation agreements between such couples.

Because Missouri doesn't recognize common law marriage, separating couples don't have the option to sue one another for financial support after their separation or may have difficulties time reacquiring money put toward mortgage payments if their name isn't listed on the title.

Another problem with separations between unmarried couples is that legal matters that would normally be handled in one case, such as paternity and property division, end up getting separated.

Experts recommend that cohabiting couples draw up cohabitation agreements prior to making big decisions together. Cohabitation agreements are like prenuptial agreements, but without the marriage. Such agreements will answer the basic questions related to property division, financial responsibilities, and other matters.

Keep in mind that any cohabitation agreement is entered into in such a way that it will be enforced by a court. Sometimes, because of certain conditions or circumstances surrounding an agreement, courts will refuse to enforce them.

Source: stltoday.com, "For live-in lovers, breaking up can be worse than a divorce," Aisha Sultan, 16 Mar 2011.