Polyamory is an umbrella term for consensually non-monogamous romantic relationships involving more than two people. People who identify as polyamorous may be involved in multiple romantic relationships at once, which can include different levels of intimacy and commitment. This arrangement has become increasingly visible in popular culture, such as through the HBO series Big Love, but it remains largely invisible to the law. In this article, I will discuss how polyamorous arrangements navigate legal invisibility and what steps they take to protect their rights.
Let's look at why polyamorous relationships are currently legally invisible. While many states recognize marriage as being between one man and one woman, there is no explicit recognition of polyamorous relationships in any state or country. There are also no laws that explicitly prohibit polyamorous relationships, so they exist in a kind of "legal gray area". This lack of recognition can make it difficult for polyamorous individuals to access services like healthcare, education, housing, and employment benefits.
If a polyamorous couple wants to buy a home together, they might have difficulty getting a mortgage because lenders do not typically accept multiple partners on a loan application.
To address these challenges, some polyamorous individuals choose to form a separate legal entity, such as a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC), to provide them with legal protection. An LLC is a business structure that allows individuals to pool resources and assets without forming a traditional corporation. By creating an LLC, polyamorous couples can own property together, share finances, and even file taxes jointly.
This solution does not fully address all of the issues faced by polyamorous people.
Another option is to create a prenuptial agreement before entering into a polyamorous relationship. A prenup outlines each partner's financial responsibilities and liabilities should the relationship end, which can help avoid conflicts later on. Polyamorous individuals may also want to consider estate planning documents, like wills and trusts, to ensure their loved ones receive their assets after death.
Polyamorous individuals may need to advocate for themselves and educate others about their rights and needs. They can work with attorneys or advocacy organizations to push for changes to laws and policies that impact polyamorous relationships.
They can engage in public awareness campaigns to raise visibility and normalize non-monogamy.
While polyamory remains largely invisible under current law, there are steps that individuals can take to protect their rights and interests. As more states and countries recognize same-sex marriage, it is likely that we will see greater recognition of polyamorous relationships in the future. Until then, polyamorous individuals must advocate for themselves and work within existing legal structures to ensure their voices are heard.
How do polyamorous arrangements navigate legal invisibility?
Polyamory is an increasingly popular relationship structure wherein individuals may have multiple romantic partners at once. While some countries legally recognize polyamorous relationships, many do not. This can create challenges for those in these types of relationships who seek to navigate their status in society. One common challenge is navigating legal invisibility; that is, the lack of recognition from the government or other institutions.