Civil solidarity pact
The civil solidarity pact, referred to as the "PACS" is "a
contract concluded between two physical persons who have reached
the age of majority, of different or the same gender, for the
purposes of organizing their life in common". It was enacted by the
law of 15 November 1999. It establishes rights and duties between
the co-signatories in terms of material support, housing,
inheritance, taxation and social welfare. It does not modify the
rules on lawful descent or adoption or on parental authority if one
of the co-signatories is already a parent.
The PACS can be dissolved at the request of one or both signatories
by declaration to the civil court. It is automatically dissolved by
marriage or by the death of one or both signatories.