Omgifte

Omgifte is a term used in several Nordic languages to denote remarriage—the act of marrying again after the dissolution of a previous marriage, through divorce, annulment, or the death of a spouse. As a noun, omgifte and the verb phrase å omgifte seg are used to describe the event or the act of entering into a second marriage. The concept is distinct from the first marriage, though it shares many legal and social characteristics with it.

Legal aspects: In most countries, a person is legally free to remarry once a prior marriage has ended or a spouse has died. Remarriage requires formal proof of dissolution or death, such as a divorce decree or death certificate. Some jurisdictions impose waiting periods or require clearance of any legal impediments; others prohibit polygamy and bigamy.

Social and family aspects: Remarriage often produces a blended or stepfamily, with potential implications for co-parenting arrangements, inheritance, pensions, and benefits. Religious or cultural communities may have additional rules or norms governing remarriage, such as restrictions on the remarriage of divorced individuals within certain communities.

In records and genealogical contexts, omgifte is used to mark the transition from a first marriage to a subsequent one and can affect the dating of family lines and the assignment of parental status.

See also: remarriage, divorce, marriage law, inheritance law.