Family Law

Family law comprises matters concerning:

• marriage, partnership and cohabitation,
• the relationship between parents and children,
• rules governing special representatives or trustees, and
• laws of inheritance.

Work in this field primarily consists of changing family law to keep pace with developments in society at large. One of the guiding principles of family law is to act in the best interests of the child. Another important task is participation in legislative cooperation within the EU and in other international forums.

As of 1 May 2009, new rules concerning marriage and marriage ceremonies will apply. A person's sex no longer has any bearing on the possibility of entering into marriage. The Marriage Code and other statutes involving spouses have been made gender-neutral and the Registered Partnership Act (1994:1117) has been repealed.