No pension rights for civil partner

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION body the Halde is challenging the rule that pacs partners cannot have a pension de réversion (widow/er’s pension).

They say the rule is discriminatory because it means only heterosexual couples benefit. Heterosexual and gay couples can be in a pacs but only heterosexual couples can marry.

This is one of several areas where those in or considering a French pacs should be aware they have lesser rights compared to a married couple (though in some cases they benefit from fewer responsibilities and greater simplicity).

For example, a pacs partner does not automatically inherit any of their partner’s estate – it must be specified in a will. However, if the couple’s main residence is part of the estate, a survivor benefits from an automatic right to use it for a year.