Family
The Family Act with mediation and social-work involvement
The Family Act governs marriage, parental rights and maintenance, with divorce available by agreement or on petition. Social work centres and mediation play a substantial role in disputes about children.
Key rules
- Divorce may be granted on joint agreement or on the breakdown of the marriage.
- Parental rights are exercised jointly, with the child's interest as the decisive criterion.
- Mediation is available and encouraged before contested proceedings about children.
Governing law
- Family Act (Zakon za semejstvoto)
- Act on Prevention of and Protection from Violence against Women
In practice
Religious marriage has no civil effect: only civil registration creates a legally recognised marriage.