My first reflex was to criticize the "man bashing" going on after reading a select few of the posts, but I realize that many married women have two jobs...bringing home a paycheck, AND doing work at home with little help. Not that I wouldn't help around the house if I had a ring on my finger but, again, cohabitating with my partner for 18 years has worked for us. If we stop being satisfied with our relationship we can abandon ship without aid of the state, or enriching lawyers.

It sounds like laws where you are are rooted in the past, Rechu. It's a shame your husband's estranged mother might have claim to your husband's possessions if something were to happen to him. Not to suggest that you mind being married...