Perekonnaseadus

Perekonnaseadus is the Estonian Family Law Act, the central statute governing family relations in Estonia. It defines the legal status of individuals within families and sets rules for the formation, modification, and termination of family ties. The act regulates marriage, its prerequisites, and the formalities of entering into and ending a marriage, including the effects of marriage on personal status and property.

The law also covers parentage and the rights and duties of parents toward their children. It provides rules for establishing parentage by birth, recognition, or adoption, and it sets out procedures for guardianship and substitute care when a parent cannot fulfill parental duties. In matters of custody, care arrangements, and child maintenance, the act aims to protect the best interests of the child and to regulate the responsibilities of both parents after a separation or divorce.

In addition, Perekonnaseadus addresses other family-related matters such as adoption, guardianship, and name changes. It contains provisions on the registration of civil status acts and touches on international private law as it relates to cross-border recognition of marriages, parentage, and related decisions.

The act is a foundational element of Estonia’s civil law, continually updated to reflect changes in social policy, gender equality, and European legal harmonization. Its provisions are applied by courts and relevant state authorities in family disputes and administrative processes.