Välä

Váló (váló) is a term in Hungarian that refers to the legal process of ending a marriage and, more broadly, to the status of someone who is in the process of divorcing. The common noun for the act is válás, and the adjective form váló can be used to describe a marriage or situation in the process of dissolution. The term is widely used in everyday language as well as in legal and administrative contexts.

Etymology and usage: váló derives from the verb válni, meaning to part or separate. Válás, the noun, denotes the act of divorce. In typical phrasing, házasság válása means the divorce of a marriage, while válófélben lévő személy refers to a person who is in the process of divorcing.

Legal framework: Divorce in Hungary is governed by the Civil Code. There are two main pathways: közös megegyezéssel történő válás (divorce by mutual agreement) and peres válás (divorce through court). In a mutual-consent divorce, the spouses must agree on fundamental issues such as the division of joint property, child custody (gyermekelhelyezés), visitation, and maintenance (tartásdíj). The petition is filed with the district court competent for the spouses’ last common residence or domicile. The court may require mediation, and if minor children are involved, it will consider the best interests of the children in determining custody and support. In a contested divorce, the court assesses evidence and makes determinations on these issues; the process can be lengthy and may involve multiple hearings.

Impact and related concepts: A divorce dissolves the legal marriage and affects alimony obligations, property division, and parental rights and duties. Child custody and child support are central elements in most cases. Legal representation is common, and outcomes depend on the specifics of each case and the court’s assessment. See also: marriage, civil code, child custody, maintenance.