Whether married or cohabiting, we all know that keeping a relationship happy and healthy takes a little bit of work and effort on both parties.

 

However, a new study has revealed that having children after a couple get married means they are 70% more likely to stay together than those who get married after children.

 

The study conducted by the Marriage Foundation also found that those couples who start a family and never get married are more likely to split before their kids are in their mid-teens.

 

Former High Court family judge Sir Paul Coleridge controversially believes the study proves that it is a “myth” that cohabiting couples are as stable as a married couple.

 

“The myths and misperceptions, such as that cohabitation is as stable as marriage should be eradicated by clear public statements and education”, he said.

 

The study is based on analysis conducted by Professor Stephen McKay of Lincoln University, which analyses 1,800 mothers with at least one child aged 14 or 15. The study looked at mums who were married before they had kids, those who got married after and those who live with their children’s father but never got married.

 

Talking about the results, research director of the foundation, Harry Benson, said: ““This is really exciting new research which shows that education and age do not dictate the success of relationships as was previously thought. It barely seems to matter if women are younger or older, degree educated or not; so long as they make a plan for their future and marry before starting a family, they have a really good chance of making that relationship last."

 

He added: “While it is right that we have done away with the social shame of having children outside marriage, we should not lose confidence in the value of crystallising commitment before starting a family."

 

His comments are sure to annoy those who are happily cohabiting. 

32 Shares

Latest

Trending