In cases where there is a conflict of goals and desires, the On-Off relationship can be the perfect arrangement for a couple not looking for marriage or even cohabitation (yes, these couples exist).

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On average, these one-time power couples were married for 12.5 years, and the settlements reflect that.

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But, since the idea is to promote marriage as the best foundation for the family, at a time when almost 40% of first-born children are born out of wedlock, these rights for heterosexual partnerships do not include equality with married couples for tax purposes.

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These couples can gradually drift apart, carving out separate lives for themselves.

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Is it economically worthwhile to society to force a same-sex couple to buy individual insurance for their family? or to discriminate against same-sex families by requiring these couples to pay individual rather than family-based income taxes?

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The studies Mr. Noer cites are certainly cause to investigate more into the why's of these findings to further understand the issues and perhaps tailor some type of help for the couples at risk.

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