I would stay away from the whole 'marriage' gumbo... What do you gain from it, what does she gain from it? At this point in your life - if bad things arise, and you (or she) are afraid of 'losing' the other one without the bonds of a marriage license, what does that imply? The piece of paper doesn't do anything regarding loss of commitment or feelings, it grants legal rights. Do you want her to be the one that gets your pension, or 1/2 of your SS? Do you need her on your health insurance - or the other way around? Are you worried about visitation rights at some point? The rest of the 'stuff' - like houses, money, 'things,' can be doled out among kids, siblings and 'SO's with a will. And if you do get married, pre-nups at this stage in your life, along with an iron-clad will certainly should be on the 'pre-marriage' list, along with the caterer, florist and reception hall.
