samboförhållande

Samboförhållande refers to a type of cohabitation relationship in Sweden where two adults live together in a stable, long-term relationship, share a home, and plan a future together. It is not a registered marriage or registered partnership, and there is no formal ceremony or registration required for the relationship to exist.

In Swedish law, sambolagen (the Co-habitation Act) provides certain protections for cohabiting couples. The act focuses mainly on property and finances related to the shared home and common household items, and on the care of children from the relationship. The relationship is formed by choosing to live together in a shared home; there is no requirement to register the partnership.

When a samboförhållande ends, the couple may perform a bodelning, which is the division of property and belongings acquired during the relationship that were used in the jointly shared home. Personal property acquired before the relationship or received by gift or inheritance is generally not included. The bodelning can be done privately or with the help of a court.

Regarding inheritance, there is no automatic right for a surviving cohabiting partner to inherit the other partner’s estate, unlike married spouses. To ensure inheritance rights, partners commonly make a will. In cases involving children, parental responsibilities follow general family law.

A samboförhållande offers a flexible alternative to marriage, with some legal protections centered on the home and shared life, while other aspects of a partner’s legal status require separate arrangements.