Civilstånd

Civilstånd, a Swedish term, translates to "civil status" or "marital status" in English. It refers to an individual's legal standing regarding marriage, parenthood, and other personal relationships as recorded by the state. This official record is maintained by the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) and forms the basis of many legal rights and obligations.

Key aspects of civilstånd include marital status (single, married, divorced, widowed), registered partnership, and parenthood. Information about births, deaths, and marriages are registered and are crucial for administrative purposes. For instance, changes in civilstånd can affect inheritance rights, social security benefits, tax liabilities, and parental leave entitlements.

When a person is born, they are registered with their parents. If parents are married, the father's paternity is usually presumed. If parents are not married, paternity must be established through acknowledgment or a court ruling. Marriages and registered partnerships are officially recorded, and divorces also result in a change of civilstånd. Similarly, the death of an individual is registered, which impacts the civilstånd of their surviving spouse or partner.

The concept of civilstånd ensures legal clarity and provides a framework for managing personal and familial relationships within society. It is a fundamental element of personal identification and legal personhood in Sweden.