Erottelukynnystä

Erottelukynnystä, which translates to "separation threshold" or "divorce threshold" in English, is a term primarily used in Finnish legal and social contexts. It refers to the minimum period of separation that must elapse before a couple can legally file for divorce in Finland. This concept is a legal requirement designed to provide a cooling-off period and encourage reconciliation or at least a well-considered decision before finalizing a divorce.

The duration of the erottelukynnystä can vary depending on the circumstances of the marriage. Typically, for couples who have been married for less than a certain number of years, a longer separation period is required. For couples who have been married for a longer duration, the required separation period might be shorter. This distinction is intended to acknowledge the greater emotional and practical entanglement in longer marriages.

The separation period begins when the spouses demonstrably cease to live together. This cessation of cohabitation is a crucial element in establishing the start of the erottelukynnystä. Proving this separation can sometimes involve statements from neighbors, utility bills, or other evidence of separate residences.

The purpose of the erottelukynnystä is not solely to delay divorce but to ensure that the decision to dissolve a marriage is made with careful consideration. It offers a structured period for reflection and potential reconciliation, aiming to reduce impulsive divorces. Upon the completion of the required separation period, either spouse can initiate the divorce proceedings in court.