Decades ago, there was one type of marriage – a heterosexual marriage between a man and a woman. Since that time, societal expectations of marriage have vastly expanded, and marriage rates have significantly declined. In 2021, the U.S. marriage rate was 14.9 marriages per 1,000, down from 16.3 per 1,000 a decade earlier. Alaska and Utah have the highest marriage rates at 23.5 and 22.3 per 1,000, respectively. Puerto Rico had both the lowest marriage and the lowest divorce rates.
While marriage rates have declined, there is no indication that people are foregoing relationships. Unlike marriage, these relationships are more informal and less legal. This can lead to complexities when a couple wants to end a relationship other than a marriage. It can get even more complicated when a legal relationship in other states (like a common-law marriage) is not recognized in Illinois. If you are facing the end of a relationship that is not legally recognized in the state of Illinois, it is extremely important that you speak to an experienced Bloomingdale, IL family law attorney.