Family Unions Flashcards
What are the three basic unions found in the Caribbean?
The Legal Union
Common-Law Union
Visiting Relationship
What is a legal union characterized by?
It’s characterized by a formal marriage. The legal union of a man and woman.
A formal marriage contract may be signed…
…in the presence of someone duly authorized. (A priest, an Imam, a Justice of the Peace). This is because of the diverse religious faiths and cultural origins of the Caribbean people.
What is the only way a marriage contract can be terminated?
By divorce. The legal dissolution of a marriage.
What is a common law union?
Partners live together by a mutual agreement without being legally married.
The arrangement is mutual and based on love and shared responsibility.
Are there legal commitments involved in a common-law union?
No, any party is free to leave at any time.
What happens in a common-law union in some countries?
In some countries a common-law partner is entitled to the same rights as one who is legally married.
Is an inheritance involved with the direct offspring of common-law partners?
Yes, children born in this union are entitled to an inheritance. Specifically in T&T, this law has been amended.
What are three disadvantages of a common-law union?
The relationship lacks the binding strength to keep it together during storm and stress.
Children born in this union are termed ‘illegitimate’ in some countries of the Caribbean.
Both women and children in some Caribbean countries have no legal claim to inheritance.
What is a visiting relationship?
Both parties live separately but share the same responsibilities of raising the child(ren)
Name 3 characteristics of a visiting relationship.
Partners may visit each other periodically.
Children born in this union are termed ‘illegitimate’ in some countries as the parents aren’t married.
The father is almost always absent so the family is matriarchal.
Name 2 reasons for a visiting relationship.
The couple may not be ready for marriage.
The couple may not have the finances to have the wedding they desire.
What is a family tree?
A family tree shows an individual’s ancestry by showing the different relationships between generations of a particular family.
