@ehBeth,
Sidling up to agree with ehBeth. I take Max as off the wall a lot, and he, me, I presume. I'd have to look back, but I bet a nickel he has insulted someone in this thread. Maybe not (where should I send the nickel?)
In my surroundings, many people avoided marriage and the rickety structures that bind. One of my favorite couples got married for tax reasons, saying they'd stay as long as they loved each other. Nearly fifty years now - they loved each other but marriage was simply business.
Yes, it is often child protective. Also, often not.