(a) Couples joined in vesper marriage are entitled to and shall enjoy all of the rights and privileges afforded married couples generally, except as otherwise provided herein and as pertains to taxation and the receipt of pension benefits.
(b) Each party to a vesper marriage shall owe to the other the duties and obligations of care, maintenance and support so long as the parties cohabit. These duties and obligations shall cease in the event that the parties shall separate one from the other and discontinue cohabitation, except as otherwise provided herein.
(c) For purpose of taxation and the receipt of pension benefits, parties to a vesper marriage shall be considered and treated as single persons as though they had not entered into the marriage contract.