Post by Admin on Jun 25, 2016 21:57:32 GMT -5
Marriages are decided by the masculine head of the house-hold, who often bases choices on what serves the family or House best, rather then what the heart's desire may be. Betrothals can be negotiated as early as birth, but are not sealed until the bride and groom are at least fifteen years old. Marriages do not take place until both are at least seventeen, though that age is often closer to twenty or twenty-one for the noble-born. Females are typically betrothed and married younger then males, especially the heir to the House.
Divorce is unheard of in Faucheux, but both husband and wife may agree to a separation if the differences prove irreconcilable. However, any children of the marriage remain with their father and it is the mother who must leave the house. Needless to say, separations do not typically happen except with child-less couples. There is one exception - if a husband can be proven to physically abuse his wife or children, then the head of the wife's family can petition to end the marriage and transfer custody to him. If that custody is granted, the husband is still held fiscally responsible for his wife's and children's upkeep and must make quarterly payments to support them.
Widows are the only exception to these rules, especially widows with male children. They may stand as regent for their husband's heir until the heir is of age, arrange their children's educations, apprenticeships and marriages, and manage the property under the supervision of an appointed trustee.
If the head of a house-hold cannot find an acceptable marriage for a female or needs to pay his tithe to the church, he can transfer custody of a female relative to them as a servant, nurse or cloistered votary.