1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«Ce texte propose un état des lieux de la situation des familles québécoises et de la contractualisation des relations familiales.» (p. 114)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
Données documentaires diverses

Type de traitement des données :
Réflexion critique

3. Résumé

«Under Quebec law, all children are formally equal, that is to say: they have the same rights and obligations regardless of the circumstances of their birth. Most of the legal norms that establish a parent-child relationship are of public order anyhow. Conversely, the Quebec legislature leaves much liberty to couples with regards to the ordering of their relationship, at least in case they have not entered into marriage or a civil union. The provisions of the Quebec Civil Code indeed distinctly treat couples depending on the type of union. Whereas the legislature imposes several imperative rules on spouses or registered partners, having regard to the public order, it does not on de facto cohabitants, having regard to respect for liberty and autonomy of the partners. If this difference in treatment of relationship necessarily has effects on the couple, it also has implications for the children, whose situation is dependent on their parents’ choices.» (p. 113)