But why get married at all?

[James]

In todays society why should we get maried? Traditions aside?

Scenario: A man and woman are in love so they live together, treat each other well, have children and stay together as long as they can meet each others needs.

IF the relationship dissolves they go their seperate ways keeping what is in their own name. If a child is involved they make arrangements for it, or the courts will compel them to make arrangements for it.

So why marry? The tax breaks aren't that great. And in the event of divorce, the economic costs to the primary wage earner, usually the male, is disasterous.

In the cases where the femae is the primary wage earner, she can take a serious hit. Although that is unusual.

IT seems that the primary effect of mariage is to lock people into the relationship if it starts going sour, because usually people don't leave a great relationship.