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Bosnia and Herzegovina

Civil lawFederal parliamentary republicReviewed· 2026-08-02
Capital
Sarajevo
Population
3,200,000
Languages
Bosnian, Croatian
Currency
BAM

Bosnia and Herzegovina · Family

Family in Bosnia and Herzegovina

What the atlas records on family in Bosnia and Herzegovina, checked against the primary sources cited below.

Family

Separate entity family acts with similar substance

Reviewed· 2026-08-02

Family law is an entity competence, so the Federation of BiH, Republika Srpska and Brčko District each have their own Family Act. Their substance is broadly similar, covering marriage, divorce, parental care and maintenance.

Key rules

  • Each entity has its own Family Act governing marriage and parental care.
  • Divorce is available by consent or on the breakdown of the marriage.
  • Extramarital unions are recognised for maintenance and property in both entities.

Governing law

  • Family Act of the Federation of BiH
  • Family Act of Republika Srpska

In practice

Jurisdiction turns on residence within an entity, and a move between entities can change the applicable family law.

Sources

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Family in Bosnia and Herzegovina | LawLegiance