General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Marriage poll [View all]discntnt_irny_srcsm
(18,479 posts)...there should be a minimum age at which anyone can take steps like marriage. I'm not sure about one spouse at a time.
What happens if a divorced single mom with ages children 10 and 12, who was abandoned, marries a decent guy after being alone for 6 years? If she dies before the new husband formally adopts the children, they and their social security go to the loser (who doesn't really want them but is okay taking their checks) that left their mom years ago. The new widower who likes the kids and would make a decent dad is left with a choice between a legal fight that could bankrupt him and seeing the kids go to the loser.
Marriage isn't always fair.
Hypothetically, I'd like to be able to signup my disabled dad, my live-in girlfriend and/or laid off brother who's going back to school to get into a new line of work. Right now, I can only signup a spouse or children.
I'm a creative thinker and I like everyone being equal without unfair penalties or benefits.