ABSTRACT
The law respects essential relationships, most notably marriage. Family members receive various benefits to support the family unit and the relationships within it. While the protection of parental relationships is easily understandable, spousal benefits may be questioned. In the western historical tradition, granting benefits exclusively to marital relationships was justified and practical. Nowadays, this seems less obvious. This article suggests that like wedding invitations, the law too should be open to various ‘plus ones’ so it will reflect, respect and support the reality of life, and not base itself on overly-broad, sometimes unjustified, assumptions founded solely on one traditional official relationship (and its modern variations).
Shakargy, Sharon, Plus One: Who Defines One’s Significant Other? (April 15, 2021). Forthcoming International Journal of Law, Policy and the Family.
First posted 2021-04-21 15:30:23
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