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In th US, each state is a bit like a teenager with its own personality and rules. While a few states still give cohabitation the cold shoulder, most have embraced it with open arms. A landmark case in 1976 in California, the Marvin case, was the first to recognize the validity of cohabitation agreements. Essentially, if you and your partner have an agreement, the court says, “Let’s stick to it!”—kind of like honoring a pinky promise but with legal backing.
Now, let’s hop across the pond to Europe, where things get even more interesting. With a large number of people choosing to cohabit, the resulting disputes are plentiful. Different countries have crafted their own unique laws, but many have chosen to implement a cohabitation registration system, like France. Think of it as a VIP club for cohabitors, where you sign up with a “cohabitation agreement + registration” combo.
In the UK, they rolled out the red carpet for cohabitors with the Civil Partnership Act of 2004. This law allows couples to register and establish a civil partnership, defining their rights and obligations—sort of like getting a membership card that outlines the rules of the club.
France, never one to be left behind in matters of the heart, passed the Civil Solidarity Pact (PACS) in 1999, which came into effect in 2000. French couples can choose between registering a civil solidarity pact or simply living together freely. Those who register get a bundle of rights similar to marriage, but with a distinct French twist—think of it as a croissant compared to a baguette.
In Germany, cohabitation property disputes are handled with a principle that each partner keeps their own property. But if you decide to pool your resources, the law won’t stop you. It’s like bringing your own snacks to a party but not minding if you share.
Now, let’s turn our attention to China. Here, cohabitation disputes arise when a couple decides to part ways, and issues like property division and child custody come into play. If there’s an agreement, the courts will honor it. If not, they’ll treat it like any other civil case, considering factors like the interests of children and the mother’s rights.
The Chinese law is quite detailed. According to the Supreme People’s Court’s interpretation of the Civil Code, if someone sues just to end a cohabitation relationship, the court won’t entertain it. But if the lawsuit involves property or child custody issues, the court will step in.