Marriage in France

The French are fairly liberal when it comes to marriage. They believe in separation of Church and State. Therefore, even marriages in a church are accompanied by a separate registration at City Hall. However, when it comes to homosexual marriage the French draw a line. Marriage is to be strictly between a man and a woman.

Protests against gay marriage
Is Gay Marriage Too Progressive for the French?

By Bruce Crumley, Time Magazine Online, 8 Nov 2012

This week, the leftist government of French President François Hollande initiated draft legislation lagalizing marriage and adoption for same-sex couples. But it’s a bill already generating stronger opposition than many expected in this famously progressive society. Indeed, while the bill unveiled on Nov. 7 aims to fulfill one of Hollande’s more popular campaign pledges, recent polls show support sagging for moves to extend gay couples the same rights enjoyed by heterosexual unions.

Marriage in France
Only the civil ceremony is recognized by law. The religious ceremony is optional and must occur after the civil ceremony.

There are various types of marriage in France. Each affects the disposition of property in divorce and inheritance differently. Each confers different rights and responsibilities on the partner.

Marital Regime: En Indivision
Property purchased is in shares. Each partner owns a share (half). Upon death shares the deceased's share is redistributed to all survivng family members by law. Property cannot be sold without the permission of all shareholders.

Marital Regime: Communauté Universelle
Property is shared jointly. If a spouse dies, the surviving spouse remains the owner of the property.

Marital Regime: Pacte Civil de Solidarité
Technically, PACS isn't marriage. It's a legal contract bonding two people in a stable relationship. PACCS provides most of the recognition and rights as a marriage. The partners can be taxed as a family unit and can take advantage of each other social security benefits and are treated as a family unit. PACS is available all regardless of gender.

Marital Regime: Communauté de biens réduite aux acquêts
Property before the marriage remains individual. Property during the marriage is shared.

Marital Regime: Séparation de biens
All property is individually owned whether acquired before or during the marriage.