Family
Fast-track divorce, civil unions and equal status for all children
Family law is in the Civil Code, reformed to introduce quick divorce and to equalise the status of children born inside and outside marriage. Same-sex civil unions were introduced in 2016, and the Cartabia reform created a unified family court.
Key rules
- Divorce is available six months after separation by consent and twelve months when contested.
- All children have the same legal status regardless of their parents' marital status.
- Same-sex couples may enter a civil union with most of the effects of marriage.
Governing law
- Civil Code (Codice Civile), Book I
- Act 76/2016 on civil unions and cohabitation
In practice
Uncontested separation and divorce can be concluded before the registrar or by negotiated agreement with lawyers, avoiding court entirely.