I don't think it matters that Charlie and his partner aren't married. I understand that many people view marriage as the ultimate commitment but all the rings and ceremonies in the world cannot change how two people feel about each other and don't make one iota of difference in terms of stability for their children. I came from a home / family that is probably as dysfunctional as it gets - single parent mother, gangster / actor father. I turned out alright and reasonably educated.