ægtefællers

Ægtefællers is a Danish term that translates to "spouses" or "married partners." It refers to two individuals who have legally entered into a marriage. The concept of ægtefællers is central to family law and social structures in Denmark, defining the rights and responsibilities of a married couple. This includes aspects such as inheritance, property division, and mutual support.

In Danish society, marriage is traditionally viewed as a union between a man and a woman, though recent legal reforms have also recognized same-sex marriage. The legal framework surrounding ægtefællers ensures a degree of protection and recognition for the marital relationship. This often involves provisions for shared assets and liabilities acquired during the marriage, as well as considerations for the welfare of any children.

The rights and obligations of ægtefællers can be modified by prenuptial agreements, known as "ægtepagter," which allow couples to define their financial arrangements before or during the marriage. Upon divorce, the dissolution of the marriage also entails the legal separation of the ægtefællers, often requiring a division of marital property. The term emphasizes the legal and often social partnership that marriage entails.