Family
Gender-neutral marriage since 2017 with a reflection-period divorce
The Marriage Act has been gender-neutral since 2017. Divorce is no-fault and normally granted after a six-month reconsideration period, or directly after two years of living apart.
Key rules
- Same-sex marriage has been available since 2017.
- Divorce follows a six-month reconsideration period unless the couple has lived apart for two years.
- Spouses keep separate property, with a marital right to equalisation on divorce or death.
Governing law
- Marriage Act (Avioliittolaki)
In practice
No reason need be given for divorce, and either spouse can apply alone, which keeps the process administratively simple.