I was with my husband for six years on a dating basis. He lived in his apartment and I in mine with my two children from a previous marriage. He wanted to build a home and asked me to move in with him and we would share the bills. My answer to that was not until I have a ring on my finger.
I have witnessed too many relationships that were live-in that didn't make it and it was a bigger nightmare than getting a divorce. There is no security in living together. Even if the relationship is a good one, questions like "who will take the house if my partner dies?" are very real ones.
My daughter has lived with two of her boyfriends and frets constantly about the lack of security that it provides. She has lived with her current boyfriend for five years but still frets about who is responsible for what and the fact that she makes less than he but has more bills than he does.
You have so many questions without answers. I would be quite worried about going into a live-in situation with so much still on the table.
I could see it conceivably working if there was a solid plan in place with two people who are flexible and willing to work together when plan A doesn't make it and it is time to go to plan B. I just know it isn't for me.
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