Vanemlusõigus

Vanemlusõigus, often translated as parental rights, refers to the legal rights and responsibilities that parents have in relation to their children. In Estonia, these rights are primarily governed by the Family Law Act. Vanemlusõigus encompasses a broad range of aspects concerning a child's upbringing, care, and welfare.

The core of vanemlusõigus lies in the principle of the child's best interests. Parents are legally obligated to ensure their child's physical and mental health, education, and overall well-being. This includes providing adequate living conditions, nourishment, clothing, and healthcare. Parents also have the right to make decisions about their child's upbringing, including their education, religious instruction, and moral development, provided these decisions are in line with the child's best interests.

Vanemlusõigus is typically exercised jointly by both parents, even if they are not married or have separated. In cases of parental disagreement, or if one parent is unable to exercise their rights or fulfill their obligations, the law provides mechanisms for resolving disputes and appointing guardians. The state can intervene and limit parental rights if there is evidence of neglect, abuse, or other circumstances that endanger the child's well-being. The termination of parental rights is a serious measure, reserved for the most extreme cases where the parent-child relationship is fundamentally damaged and it is deemed not to be in the child's best interest to maintain it. The exercise of vanemlusõigus aims to safeguard the rights and welfare of minors.