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A civil marriage is a bit like that famous box of chocolates: you think you know what you're going to get... until you unwrap it. Sure, it starts off well, with the photos, the wedding rings, the little toast at the town hall. But once the champagne is finished, everyday life sets in, and then you discover that the official union also has its drawbacks.
Because yes, getting married in front of the Mayor is a commitment. And not just a little. If you thought it was just a nice formality before the buffet, think again. A civil marriage is a contract. And like any contract, there are the nice clauses... and the little lines we wish we'd never read.
So, without beating around the bush (or the bouquet), here is a brief overview of the disadvantages that this famous civil marriage can present.
We often think that marriage is about love... until we come across the articles of the Civil Code. Yes, the very ones that no one really reads before signing.
If you chose the community property regime (by default), congratulations: everything you earn, buy or save belongs to both of you. Even the bike you paid for with your bonus, even if your other half doesn't know how to ride a bike. There's no 'that's mine' in civil marriage. Even the wedding dress , which you carefully chose, is now part of the joint property. Unless you took the time to go to the notary for a specific marriage contract (and let's be honest, who really does?)."
A real estate purchase? A loan agreement? A property transfer? Well, it's going to take two to say yes. Marriage requires financial solidarity, which, in some cases, can quickly turn into a trap. Your spouse could incur a debt that will fall back on you, even if you weren't aware of it. Nice, right?
Did you think all you had to do was love and cherish your other half? The Civil Code doesn't quite agree.
One day, everything's fine, and the next, you're angry for life. Except that legally, you still have a duty of care. In short: if your spouse can no longer provide for their needs, it's up to you to pay. Even if they ran off with the cat and the TV. It's the law.
Even though many people talk about it with a wink or a shrug, fidelity is written into the obligations of civil marriage. And in the event of proven adultery, this can have consequences for a possible divorce, much like choosing a lace wedding dress : it's a binding decision that can influence the entire rest of the story. Basically, it's not just a question of morality, it's a question of rights.
Entering into a civil marriage is simple. A quick trip to the town hall, a well-placed "Yes," and it's settled. Leaving it, however, is a bit like dismantling an IKEA piece of furniture without instructions or a screwdriver.
Except in special cases (divorce by mutual consent), it can take months, even years, to obtain a final judgment. And in the meantime, tensions mount, expenses pile up, and stress creeps into every family gathering.
Lawyer, notary, division of property, alimony, compensatory benefits... Divorce costs money. And sometimes a lot. Some people end up ruined or forced to sell their house in order to "buy their freedom."
A civil marriage is a bit like a business merger: you keep your name (or not), but many things now have to be done together.
Want to move abroad? Change jobs on a whim? Invest in a risky project? Or even choose a long-sleeved wedding dress that doesn't meet your expectations? It all becomes more complicated. Now you're both responsible for the consequences of your decisions. And even the simplest ones can lead to discussions (or arguments).
We don't always realize it, but certain legal acts must be carried out jointly. An example? Managing the family home. Even if it's in your name, you can't sell it without your spouse's consent. Say goodbye to solo decisions.
Not a very cheerful subject, we grant you, but a necessary one. Civil marriage has a direct impact on inheritance.
Of course, the spouse inherits, but often jointly with the children. And if they are children from a previous relationship, brace yourself, because it can quickly become a mess. Civil marriage doesn't guarantee simplicity in the event of death. On the contrary, it can even complicate things if the family ties are a bit "modern."
Civil marriage is often sold as the solution to avoiding inheritance tax. And it's true that there are advantages. But if your spouse is riddled with debt, or if the blended family becomes entangled, things can quickly turn into a tax headache.
Civil marriage is the norm... but it's not for everyone. Some people feel trapped in this overly traditional, overly standardized framework.
Don't want to get married? Expect questions like, "But why? Don't you love each other?" Civil marriage is still seen by many as the necessary step to be "serious," "stable," "respectable"—a bit like wearing a strapless wedding dress to truly be normal. Which, in itself, can be overwhelming.
Today, couples live together without necessarily wanting to officially unite. They travel, raise children, and share credit without going through the town hall. Yet, civil marriage continues to be the dominant legal framework, which sometimes makes life more complicated for those who want something else.
We might say, "Okay, then let's not get married." Easy to say. Less easy to do.
The PACS is often seen as the cool, hassle-free alternative. But be careful: it doesn't grant the same rights as marriage, particularly in terms of inheritance, taxation, or parentage. And it doesn't protect the spouse as much.
Living together without signing anything? It's possible, of course. But in the event of separation, accident, death... good luck getting anything done. You're practically considered two roommates. Not very romantic.
Yes, we're not just talking about papers, taxes, and debt. Marriage also has an impact on children.
When a child is born into a marriage, the husband is automatically presumed to be the father. This may seem convenient, but in some cases, it complicates things, especially if the biological reality doesn't match.
The judge will often consider marital status when deciding questions of custody, alimony, or parental authority. And this can work against the person who has been less active in the child's life... even if they had good reasons. Source of information.
We don't want to break your spirits (or ruin your white dress), but it's important to enter into a civil marriage with your eyes wide open. Because behind the Instagram photos and the emotional speeches, there's a real legal framework, sometimes burdensome, often restrictive.
This doesn't mean you shouldn't get married. But it does mean you have to think carefully, weigh the pros and cons, have a frank discussion with your partner, and above all, not do it "because it's traditional."
Civil marriage is not a trivial act. It is a profound commitment, which can have significant consequences on your life, your property, your freedoms, and even your family.
So, before you say "I do," make sure you understand what you're saying "I do" to. And if you have any doubts... talk about it. To your other half. Or to a lawyer. Or to your cousin who's been divorced three times and who will be able to enlighten you with humor and honesty.