Julgustamist

Julgustamist is a term used in Estonian law to describe the process of legalizing a relationship between two people who are not married. It is a form of cohabitation that is recognized by the state and provides certain legal protections to the partners involved. Julgustamist is not a legal marriage, but it does offer some of the same benefits, such as shared property rights and inheritance rights.

The term "julgustamist" is derived from the Estonian word "julgustama," which means "to declare" or "to affirm." The process of julgustamist involves both partners signing a declaration of cohabitation, which is then registered with the local municipality. Once registered, the partners are considered to be in a legal relationship and are entitled to the same rights and protections as married couples.

Julgustamist is a relatively new concept in Estonian law, having been introduced in 2016. It was created in response to the growing number of same-sex couples who were unable to marry due to the country's ban on same-sex marriage. Since its introduction, julgustamist has become a popular option for same-sex couples, as well as for heterosexual couples who wish to formalize their relationship without the legal and religious implications of marriage.

While julgustamist provides many of the same benefits as marriage, it is important to note that it is not a substitute for marriage. The legal status of julgustamist is distinct from that of marriage, and the two are not interchangeable. Additionally, julgustamist does not confer the same legal protections as marriage in all cases, and it may not be recognized in other countries.

In summary, julgustamist is a form of legal cohabitation in Estonia that provides certain legal protections to partners who are not married. It was introduced in 2016 to address the needs of same-sex couples and has since become a popular option for couples of all orientations. While it offers many of the same benefits as marriage, it is important to understand the differences between the two and to consult with a legal professional if necessary.