Legal Definitions - mariage de convenance

A mariage de convenance, also known as a marriage of convenience, is a marriage entered into primarily for a purpose other than genuine romantic love or the intention to establish a life together as a couple. Instead, the primary motivation is to gain a legal, financial, social, or personal advantage that would not otherwise be available.

Here are some examples illustrating a mariage de convenance:

• Immigration Status: A citizen of Country A marries a non-citizen solely so the non-citizen can obtain a visa, residency, or citizenship in Country A. The couple may live separately, have no romantic relationship, and only interact when necessary to maintain the appearance of a genuine marriage for immigration authorities.

  This illustrates a mariage de convenance because the marriage is not based on mutual affection or a desire to build a life together, but rather on the legal benefit of securing immigration status for one of the parties.

• Financial or Inheritance Gain: An individual with significant wealth, perhaps in declining health, marries a younger person who agrees to provide companionship and care. The unspoken or explicit understanding is that the younger spouse will inherit a substantial portion of the older spouse's estate upon their death, rather than the marriage being driven by romantic love or a desire for a shared future.

  This is a mariage de convenance because the primary motivation for the marriage is the financial advantage of inheritance for one party and perhaps care for the other, rather than a loving marital relationship.

• Business or Social Alliance: Two prominent business families arrange a marriage between their children to solidify a strategic business merger, combine assets, or enhance their social standing within a particular community. The individuals involved may have little to no romantic interest in each other, but they agree to the union for the collective benefit of their families or enterprises.

  This exemplifies a mariage de convenance as the union is primarily a strategic alliance for business or social advancement, rather than a personal commitment based on love or shared life goals between the spouses themselves.