Family
Código da Família 1997 with civil marriage, monogamy and recognition of união de facto
The Código da Família provides for civil marriage only, monogamy, equal spousal rights and equal succession between children regardless of birth status. Cohabitation (união de facto) is recognised and produces defined legal effects.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — Tribunais de Comarca in family matters; união de facto is recognised on proof of the required period.
- Deadline — Birth registration: within the period set by the Código do Registo Civil
- Deadline — Divorce: by mutual consent administratively, or judicially where contested
Governing law
- Decreto-Legislativo n° 12-C/97 que aprova o Código da Família
- Lei n° 84/VII/2011 sobre a violência baseada no género
- Código do Registo Civil
In practice
Cabo Verdean family law is closer to contemporary Portuguese law than to its West African neighbours: monogamy is the only permitted form, children born outside marriage inherit equally, and de facto unions generate rights on proof of cohabitation. The 2011 gender-based violence law created specialised procedures and is actively enforced, which is unusual in the region.