Marriage

Marriage is a union voluntarily entered into by two adult persons. Barriers to marriage include a previous still valid marriage or close family relationship.

Even after marriage, the spouses are independent and free to decide their own affairs and enter into contracts concerning themselves. However, the union gives spouses a duty to act for the good of the family, for example by providing for the family’s maintenance and well-being.

Spouses are entitled to their own property, whether acquired before or during the marriage. Debts are joint only if they have been incurred jointly.

Marriage affects the division of shared property when the marriage ends due to the death of one spouse or to divorce. In that case, the assets and liabilities of the spouses are listed and the joint property is divided between the spouses, unless otherwise agreed, for example, in a prenuptial agreement.

Examination of impediments to marriage

Before getting married, the prospective spouses must jointly request an investigation of impediments to marriage from the Digital and Population Data Services Agency or the parish to which one or both of the spouses belong.

The certificate of examination of impediments to marriage is valid for four months. If the couple does not marry within this period, they must apply for a new certificate.

Marriage ceremony

Marriage can take the form of a civil or religious ceremony.

The Evangelical Lutheran and Orthodox churches and several religious communities have the right to conduct religious marriage ceremonies. Civil registry offices and district courts are responsible for  civil marriage ceremonies.

During the ceremony, the officiant – a priest or official authorised to solemnise marriages – explains the purpose of the marriage, asks questions to check the spouses’ willingness to be married and finally pronounces them as husband and wife.

The officiant sends the necessary documents to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency for the registration of the marriage. Through registration, information about the marriage goes to the Population Information System and from there to other authorities, such as the Tax Administration.