Originally Posted by shakermaker (Post 455335)

Marriage is a religious bond

Originally Posted by carpon (Post 455312)

From one who has been stung by this co-habitting situation it's a definate NO! from me.My ex-partner contributed nothing towards our home and now has the audacity to expect half of something she paid nothing towards!! She was the one who was unfaithfull,she was the one who left.I'm currently in the legal wrangling stage and it is a minefield!! I think the laws concerning Co-habitting should be clarified (regarding financial rites in the event of the relationship breaking down) especially where Children are involved,with financial circumstances been taken into account(i.e. WHO contributed What??) Fortunately there where no children as a result of my relationship with my ex. ,as sadly it's the kids who suffer when any marraige or relationship breaks down.

Originally Posted by shakermaker (Post 455335)

Marriage is a religious bond, not just a legal contract. People should enter into it because they believe in the concept of marriage, not because they want legal benefits - and it certainly isn't a higher sense of commitment than cohabitation.
Anne said it perfectly:

Originally Posted by West Ender (Post 455340)

Anne, why should a wedding cost a ridiculous amount? My son married 8 years ago, in a Registry Office, a short but pleasant ceremony with just a few guests. They had been living together for 13 years but decided to make it "permanent". He wore his nice suit, my daughter-in-law bought a dress she's worn loads of times since, and we had a meal at a local hotel - we all paid for our own. The wedding cost very little but they are as much married as anyone else. There's no more commitment in wearing a white dress and a veil and having a huge party, that's just a display.

I said before, it's the choice of the individuals whether to marry or not but it's a question of legality. When you consider that same-sex couples have fought for, and got, the right to have a legal contract drawn up to give them "married" rights why should those who won't legally commit themselves have those rights by default? Call it marriage or what ever you like, no contract - no rights.

Originally Posted by carpon (Post 455681)

Cheers for that Ianto.W. ! Karma duly sent :)

Originally Posted by BERNADETTE (Post 455682)

He hasn't tried to get rid of me yet

Originally Posted by cashman (Post 455683)

that would be pointless yer ok.:)

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 455339)

A lady should keep a hand on her tuppence, until the man puts a ring on her finger.

Simple.:D