U. S. Cohabitation: Know the Facts

• About 10 million cohabiting couples in U.S. in 2005.
• Between 60-70% of marriages preceded by cohabitation.
• About 40% of cohabiting couples eventually marry. After 10 years, 62% of cohabitor married couples have divorced compared to 33% of non-cohabitor married couples. But higher divorce rates due primarily to serial cohabitors.
• 75% of children born to cohabiting parents will see their parents’ relationship dissolve; 33% of children born to married parents see their parents divorce. (3% of all children live with two unmarried parents.)
• Cohabitation increases the risk of divorce about 50--150%, depending on sexual/cohabitation history. (Multiple pre-marital sex partners significant risk too.)
• No significant increased risk of divorce if: (a) cohabitation with one partner whom you marry; (b) cohabitation after engagement • Negative effect of cohabitation comes mostly from premarital cohabitors with children (strongest for Whites).
• Cohabitation is associated with more negative communication in marriage, lower marital satisfaction, less commitment (dedication) to spouse.
• Cohabitation a major factor in increasing rates of child abuse.