Government plans a ‘wedding kit’

A “WEDDING preparation kit” is to be sent out to mairies, on request, in a bid to get mayors and couples to take marriage more seriously.

The government is concerned about the growing divorce rate, with nearly one in two marriages ending this way.

It thinks part of the problem is mayors rushing through impersonal ceremonies – often in a quarter of an hour – and couples not being fully aware of their rights and responsibilities.

The “kit” includes advice pamphlets for both mayors and people planning marriage.

It will advise mayors that they should meet the couple before the ceremony and complete a questionnaire about them (age, jobs, children etc), to add personal touches to the ceremony. The couple should also have the opportunity to add readings, music, speeches by the witnesses, etc, they will be told.

Family Minister Claude Greff says a booklet for couples will “make sure those choosing to marry are aware of the legal aspects so as to avoid conflicts or a belated discovery of obligations that are all too often ignored. I’m talking about solidarity for debts in general and tax ones in particular, rights of a surviving spouse, rights and obligations concerning children etc.”

Sociologist François de Singly told Le Figaro he had never seen a marriage break down due to some element of the Code Civil. It was more likely to be because of routine, or people not doing chores, or a lack of love, he said.

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