Family law is in a state of change because of rapidly evolving social patterns. For example, there is an emergence of "informal marriage" (cohabitation with express or implied contract) alongside formal marriage (ceremonial or statutory). The domestic partnerships of homosexual couples also are a variety of "informal marriage." Both varieties of relationships, formal and informal marriage, often are terminated by choice, creating special legal consequences. Although you probably have not studied all the implications that can flow from marriage, from your generalized knowledge, try to compare the implications of both types of relationships (formal marriage and cohabitation) on the following criteria:
a. Federal and state income taxes
b. Selection and use of surname
c. Child support obligations
d. Credit extension
e. Expense of creating or ending the relationship
f. Mutual support obligations
g. Vicarious tort liability
h. Recovery for lost consortium, or wrongful death
i. Privilege not to testify against one another
j. Immunities for sex crimes between spouses
k. Division of assets upon death or termination of relationship
1. Inheritance rights, absent a will
m. Costs and coverage of health or life insurance
n. Social Security benefits
o. Privacy in business matters upon termination of marriage
p. Workers' compensation benefits
q. Care for a dying loved one