Hjákvægir

Hjákvægir is a term used in Icelandic law referring to spouses who have been legally separated but remain married. This legal status arises from the process of divorce proceedings in Iceland. Divorce in Iceland typically involves a period of legal separation before the final dissolution of the marriage. During this separation period, the couple is considered hjákvægir.

The concept of hjákvægir acknowledges that a marriage, while legally recognized as dissolving, has not yet reached its final conclusion. This status can have implications for various legal matters, including property division, inheritance, and certain social benefits. The specific duration and conditions of the separation period are governed by Icelandic family law.

While separated, spouses are no longer considered to be living together as a married couple. However, the legal ties of marriage still bind them until the divorce is finalized. This can create a complex legal landscape for individuals navigating the end of a marriage. The term emphasizes a transitional phase in the legal dissolution of matrimony.