[quote=EndWinterRomance;452481]
how about keeping the non custodial parent in the child's life without marriage?[/quote]

This is a common arrangement for single parents and those who have divorced but have kids. A parent who has no custody can still be involved in the child's life. One way to go about it is to have things in writing (legal stuff). My parents didn't have that - they just agreed verbally on the set up they wanted for us kids and abide by it. But now, in the world where your closest friend could just turn the next super **** on you to make your life hell, you have to put every agreement into writing. A healthy arrangement of custody is possible and is better than trying to get married to facilitate access of the NC parent to the child.

I don't think I've got much to add, since I agree with everyone that getting married for the sake of a child (who might even be unwanted by either or both responsible) is not the answer.

It's one of the worst things you can do. No kid is dumb enough to not notice that things aren't right with his/her parents. In the long-run, it only causes more issues and oftentimes makes for a very tense, aggressive living environment. Two parents who go their separate ways, can be respectable with each other, and come to an agreement about the child will be happier, and the child will be happier too.