Marriage/Civil Unions
2 types of unions are recognized in Québec:
- civil or religious marriage
- de facto union
There are obligations and responsibilities connected to these forms of matrimonial union.
Civil or religious marriage
The legal age for marriage in Québec is 16, but individuals under 18 years of age who wish to marry must first obtain the consent of their parent or guardian.
Among other things, the law sets out that both individuals in the married couple:
- are fully equal
- choose the family residence
- contribute to household expenses
- are responsible for debt incurred to run the household
In Québec, individuals who wish to make their union publicly official may have a civil marriage, whether they are of different sexes or the same sex.
Couples who are united by marriage or civil union may separate after they have agreed on all of the consequences of their separation, such as:
- custody of the children
- the amount of alimony
- the division of joint property, known as community property in Québec
- etc.
Until their marriage or civil union is legally dissolved, both spouses are liable for the debt that they have incurred alone or together for the good of the family.
Regardless of their marital status, both parents have the right and duty to educate and take care of their child.
To find out more about the rights and obligations of marriage, go to the Web site of the ministère de la Justice du Québec, which is Québec’s justice department.
De facto union
In Québec, two people can decide to live together in what is known as a de facto union, which means that they live together without being married. The rights of those who live in de facto unions are different from the rights of those who are united by marriage or civil union. Children born to a couple in a de facto union enjoy the same rights as children born to a married couple.
For more information about obligations and restrictions, go to the Web site of the ministère de la Justice du Québec.
