Marriage and Partnerships

A

Annulment

An annulment is a legal procedure that declares a marriage null and void, effectively treating it as if it never existed. Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, annulment is typically granted when there are grounds to believe the marriage was not legally valid from the beginning, such as fraud, inability to consummate, or lack of consent.

C

Cohabitation

Cohabitation refers to the practice of two people living together in a romantic or sexual relationship without being legally married. It typically involves sharing a residence, finances, and daily responsibilities. Cohabitation has become increasingly common in many societies as an alternative or precursor to marriage.

Conjugal Relations

Conjugal relations refer to the sexual relationship between married partners. This term encompasses all forms of sexual intimacy and activity that occur within a marriage, including but not limited to sexual intercourse. It's often used in legal, medical, or formal contexts to describe the physical aspect of a marital relationship.

Consummation

Consummation refers to the first act of sexual intercourse between a married couple, traditionally occurring on their wedding night. This act is considered to "complete" or "consummate" the marriage, both in cultural and sometimes legal contexts. Historically, consummation has been viewed as a crucial element in validating a marriage.

D

Divorce

Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage, ending the legal and social contract between spouses. It's a process that formally terminates a marital union, allowing both parties to legally separate their lives and potentially remarry. While not directly related to sexual activity, divorce can significantly impact an individual's sexual and romantic life.

Domestic Partnership

A domestic partnership is a legal or personal relationship between two individuals who live together and share a common domestic life, but are not married. It's a form of recognized partnership that provides some of the benefits and protections traditionally associated with marriage, particularly for same-sex couples in regions where same-sex marriage wasn't legally recognized.

M

Marital Relations

Marital relations refers to the sexual and intimate activities that occur between married partners. This term is often used as a euphemism for sexual intercourse within the context of marriage, but it can encompass a broader range of intimate behaviors and interactions between spouses.

Monogamous Marriage

Monogamous marriage refers to a legally and/or socially recognized union between two individuals who commit to sexual and romantic exclusivity with each other. This type of relationship structure is characterized by the expectation that both partners will not engage in intimate or sexual relationships with others outside of the marriage.

O

Open Marriage

An open marriage is a form of consensual non-monogamy where married partners agree to engage in sexual or romantic relationships with other people while remaining committed to their primary relationship. This arrangement allows for sexual and/or emotional connections outside the marriage, with the full knowledge and consent of both spouses.

P

Prenuptial Agreement

A prenuptial agreement, often referred to as a "prenup," is a legal contract entered into by a couple before they get married. This document outlines how assets, debts, and other financial matters will be handled during the marriage and in the event of a divorce or separation. While not directly related to sexual activity, prenups can impact the dynamics of a relationship and may address aspects of married life that intersect with sexual health and well-being.

S

Spousal Privilege

Spousal privilege is a legal concept that protects the confidentiality of communications between married partners. It allows a person to refuse to testify against their spouse in certain legal proceedings, and prevents courts from compelling one spouse to disclose confidential communications made during the marriage. While not directly related to sexual activity, this privilege can have implications for sexual privacy within a marriage.