I don’t understand the idea of building a life with somebody that you refuse to marry. If you’re on the same page about not wanting a big wedding or a whole to do, that’s great, but you’re not being smart if you neglect to protect yourself legally within a union. If you buy a house with your boyfriend and both of your names are on the mortgage, and you break up, it’s going to be a complete mess. If he stops paying his part of the mortgage, you’re going to be legally liable for the whole some. If the same scenario happens with your husband, the law will protect you more and make sure marital assets are split in an even way. If you’re merely boyfriend and girlfriend, you’re on your own, kid. Not to mention, a mortgage can be a 15 or 30 year commitment. If you can commit to that, you can commit «till death do us part.»