Description
Book SynopsisIntroduces an expansive vision of the family and a brilliant legal arrangement that will protect the lives of millions of adults. Today, about half of all adults are unmarried. Many of those are in significant relationshipssome intimate, others based in friendship, finances, or family tiesbut the law offers them few protections. Amid the growing recognition that modern families take all shapes, More Than Marriage presents a refreshing vision for the future. With this book, noted family-law expert John G. Culhane takes us on a guided tour of how the march toward marriage equality spun off a number of other legal statuses, and explores how the law has expanded and where it falls short. This lively living history is grounded in relatable, in-depth interviews that give voice to the millions of Americans building family structures outside the protections of marriagewhether by choice, necessity, or exclusion. Culhane proposes an updated legal status that offers flexible and portable
Trade Review"An inspired introduction to legal understandings of marriage equality that issues an urgent argument for continued reforms." * Foreword Reviews *
"This book about marriage alternatives should appeal to a general audience. Ideal for those interested in domestic law policies." * Library Journal *
"Recommended [for] advanced undergraduates through faculty; professionals; general readers." * CHOICE *
"Culhane offers a refreshing take on how we might legally enshrine a variety of forms of relationships and intimacies. . . .
More Than Marriage will be immersive reading for those interested in the legal recognition of relationships and for imagining new possibilities beyond marriage." * Gender & Society *
Table of ContentsList of Tables
Preface
Introduction: Marriage Equality—an Important but Limited Victory
1. The Dawn of the Domestic Partnership, or "We Bored Them to Death"
2. Civil Unions: Not Marriage, but an Incredible Simulation!
3. The Designated Beneficiary Agreement Act: Colorado's Successful Experiment
4. What Is Marriage, Anyway? (And What Isn't Marriage?)
5. Matching Relationship Law to Reality
Notes
References
Index
