actually, "my host" who i referred to, initially, is the one working on most of that. we plan to get married after i arrive. the thing i know i have to do here in the states, prior to leaving, is to complete a certificate of celibacy... which i laughed about at first, but she assures me that France is the "king of administrative paperwork"... albeit a bit outdated? ha. so... living in pennsylvania, i have to go to the french consulate in philadelphia, apparently, so sign this "in person"... which is another thing that astounds me, but she will let me know more about that in the coming weeks. i have no idea how it would be for a "common law" marriage. i can ask her, though, if she has or can get any information pertaining to that.