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To Be or Not to Be, or Be Single or Be Married

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By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.blankrome.com/people/stacy-d-phillips/">Stacy D. Phillips</a>

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Marriage and divorce rates continue to change, but one trend is clear: more people are choosing to remain single. At the same time, single life has become more widely accepted. As social norms evolve, lifestyles once viewed as unconventional are increasingly regarded as ordinary, and in many cases, fully embraced.

We have not heard the word often, yet matrimania (the common focus on marriage and coupling) has been a ubiquitous sentiment for some time. We do get excited when we or someone we know is getting married, or even married again after a divorce. This, of course, is natural and understandable; as social beings, we are wired for connection, and partnership has long been one way people build families and carry life forward. At the same time, we should not overlook those who choose to remain single or assume, through a traditional lens, that single life is any less meaningful, fulfilling, or valuable.

Before marriage, after marriage, and every stage in between, I have spent time working through life’s challenges and maintaining healthy relationships with friends and family. Being single does not indicate a lack of care for loved ones. In fact, “family” is not limited to the traditional image of a married couple with children, a pet, and a comfortable home. It encompasses a wide range of connections, including parents, siblings, grandparents, extended relatives, stepfamily, adopted family, chosen family, and others who hold significance in one another’s lives.

Single individuals may be found in any of these roles, and in many families, it is the single person who takes on the responsibilities of caregiver, guardian, or parental figure. They are often the ones cheering at little league games, applauding at dance recitals, and consistently showing up for those who matter most. Like everyone else, single people also navigate family challenges, obligations, and everyday drama; it is a shared experience.

A “lone wolf,” so to speak, is not truly alone. Like their married peers, single people contribute to their communities and workplaces, dedicate time to volunteering, and maintain meaningful relationships with family and friends. We are all trying to strike a balance between demanding work lives and personal fulfillment. Ultimately, we are all on the same path, seeking connection, purpose, and time with the people we love.

Again, we can live both married and single, no obligations to be at either stage or condition. Single life itself can be healthy. A person may simply not want to be married (or married again). The experience of it, or the times, may not be conducive to pursuing a relationship. Maintaining inner peace is vital, and protecting it is more important than pleasing others. If that peace is best preserved by remaining single, then that choice is entirely valid.&nbsp;

Marriage is not always easy; most of us know that firsthand. It takes effort and ongoing work. The same is true of single life. There are bills to pay, a home to maintain, and a life to manage, all of which rest on one’s own shoulders. At the same time, this independence allows for time to oneself, which can be deeply appreciated.

Marriage: A Choice Worth Celebrating

This is not meant as a critique of marriage; for that can also be great. Indeed, I recently got married again, and I am genuinely excited about this new chapter in my life. A strong and healthy marriage is a wonderful thing, enriching the lives of those in it and positively influencing family, community, and society. I hope this new season brings happiness, growth, and fulfillment to all of the people I care about most. As I look ahead, I do so with optimism, gratitude, and a smile that comes quite naturally.

I was single before, and that time was not just a holding pattern for marriage. Like both my past and current married life, being single required intention, wisdom, and generosity, and not self-centeredness. I valued my independence then just as I value being a spouse now. Neither stage was better than the other; each had its own worth and deserved full commitment. We are not defined by the chapter we are in, but by how fully we live it before turning the page.

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Attorney Spotlight: Ryan J. Casson - New York

With this edition of Attorney Spotlight, I am pleased to feature one of our esteemed New York colleagues in Blank Rome’s Matrimonial &amp; Family Law group: <a href="https://www.blankrome.com/people/ryan-j-casson/" id="https://www.blankrome.com/people/ryan-j-casson/">Ryan Casson</a>.

With more than 16 years of legal experience, Ryan is a highly respected and integral member of our Matrimonial &amp; Family Law team. A graduate of Washington University School of Law, he has developed a distinguished practice representing his clients in a wide range of complex and high-conflict family law matters, including divorce, equitable distribution, spousal support, and child custody disputes.

Ryan was drawn to family law through both personal experience and an early realization that the practice aligned with his strengths and personality. He values the opportunity to connect with people, understand their unique circumstances, and guide them through some of life’s most emotional and challenging moments. Unlike general commercial litigation, which often centers on corporate interests, family law allows him to work closely with individuals and make a direct impact on their lives. He finds helping clients navigate difficult personal transitions far more rewarding than simply advancing a business dispute through the litigation process.

When handling difficult or highly emotional family law matters, Ryan believes patience is essential. He understands that clients are often navigating some of the most challenging periods of their lives and may not always be in the best emotional position to make decisions. In those moments, he sees it as his responsibility to remain rational, objective, and focused on the client’s long-term interests, providing thoughtful guidance and practical advice. At times, that means having candid conversations and delivering difficult truths. While he recognizes the emotional realities inherent in family law, Ryan is committed to ensuring that emotions do not overshadow the legal goals at hand, helping clients balance what their hearts want with what their circumstances require.

Outside of his legal career, Ryan loves to spend time with his family, and extending from his English background, he is a huge football fan, most especially the West Ham United Football Club based in London. He also loves his local New York City sports teams. This summer, he and his family enjoyed a trip to London, England, as well as a trip through Italy, and he looks forward to more travel when he has the opportunity.

© 2026 Blank Rome LLP. All rights reserved. Please contact Blank Rome for permission to reprint. Notice: The purpose of this update is to identify select developments that may be of interest to readers. The information contained herein is abridged and summarized from various sources, the accuracy and completeness of which cannot be assured. This update should not be construed as legal advice or opinion, and is not a substitute for the advice of counsel.

Protecting Your Family Matters: Summer 2026

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Protecting Your Family Matters: Summer 2026

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