Family
The Family Act, compulsory mediation and shared parental care
The Family Act governs marriage, parental care and maintenance. Divorcing parents of minor children must attempt compulsory family mediation, and joint parental care plans are encouraged.
Key rules
- Parents of minor children must undertake compulsory counselling before divorce proceedings.
- Divorce may be granted by consent or on the breakdown of the marriage.
- Informal long-term cohabitation can create maintenance and property rights.
Governing law
- Family Act (Zakon o obitelji / Obiteljski zakon)
- Act on Same-Sex Life Partnership
In practice
Same-sex couples can register a life partnership with most marriage-equivalent effects, though not full joint adoption.