you, of course are kidding.....there are many governmental situations where a marriage is certainly part of their benefits, responsibilities, etc. If I die, the government recognizes that my wife is in charge of me, my funeral, my assets...everything. If I just have a "good friend" such recognition would not be true. If I ddon't pay my property tax, do you think that the state will seek out my wife for payment ???...they will. Would they seek out my "good friend" ?..I don't think so
First of all, that doesn't make it right.
Second of all, it's a mistake.