In France, Heterosexual Couples Opting for Civil Unions
Civil unions are gaining in popularity in France, and most of those getting hitched under the law are heterosexual couples.
Now there are now two civil unions for every three marriages, and if the trend continues, it could be more popular than marriage, the New York Times reports.
Couples who want to enter into a civil union need only appear in front of a judicial officer, and it can be ended with a registered letter, the story says. Neither party can claim the other’s property or seek alimony, according to a story on the unions last year in the Washington Post.
Those in civil unions have many of the benefits of marriage. The couples can file joint tax returns, inherit without paying taxes and share insurance policies. The partners are also responsible for each other’s debts.
