事實婚制度에 대한 批判的 接近 ―사실혼 개념의 발전적 극복을 위한 제언―

The definition of de facto marriage means a partnership between a woman and a man willing to marry but is not yet officially accepted in Family Registration Book. Thus it is regarded as a quasi marriage. But legally it cannot be considered as a marriage with legal effects including the right to inheritance. Even though Supreme Court tends to give legal protection to de facto marriage, its importance can be actually certified only with relation to the matrimonial case, notwithstanding affecting personal status. This fact shows that in realty the theory of de facto marriage contributes very little to the difficulties around the matters of various forms of partnerships in society. In addition to it the intention of a partner who will not apply for the registration of marriage should be respected. That is the request of private autonomy and the Art. 36 Constitution. With the changing time many different types of partnerships emerge and make the role of de facto marriage narrower, it is strongly recommended to build a unified legal concept with which we can regulate and solve legal problems rising from new legal phenomena. The best solution is naturally the way of legistration.