I live in the province of British Columbia in Canada. A few years ago, the provincial government changed the laws so that once you live together with your partner for 2 years you have EXACTLY the same rights as if you signed a marriage licence. Definitely a positive thing for women. It also means that signing the…

We just did the ceremony, no papers, but where I am from, we have the same rights as a couple who has signed the papers- we did as soon as we had lived together for 2 years. I’m glad it works that way here and I wish it was more common.