Living together

There are special laws applicable to families in Sweden. These laws include provisions relating to marriage, cohabiting and relationships between parents and children. Family law outlines what rights and obligations the parties have in respect of one another.

Marriage

Marriage is entered into between two adults. It is a legal agreement which is regulated by a special law, the Marriage Code. In a marriage, both spouses are responsible by law for supporting themselves and their spouse. This means that both spouses are responsible for the family finances and duties around the house. If the spouses have children, they both have to pay for the children's keep.

Gender-neutral marriage

Marriage has been gender-neutral since 1 May 2009. This means that two people of the same sex can marry on the same terms are couples of different sexes.

Getting married

To marry, you have to apply for a Certificate of No Impediment from the Swedish Tax Agency, which checks whether there is any impediment to the marriage by law. If either of the parties is under 18 or if either of them is already married, for example, these are judged to be an impediment to them marrying.

All men and women freely choose the person whom they wish to marry. What are known as forced marriages are prohibited by law. It is possible to select a religious wedding with a religious community. The person marrying the couple must hold a permit to perform marriages for the marriage to be valid in the eyes of the law. It is also possible to select what is known as a civil marriage ceremony conducted by an official appointed by the county administrative board.

Cohabiting partners

Cohabiting partners are two people who live together in a marriage-like relationship. Cohabiting partners may be of the same sex or different sexes. The law on cohabiting partners outlines what rights and obligations the partners have in respect of one another. Cohabiting partners do not have the same rights and obligations as in a marriage in the event of separation or death, for example.

Divorce

Married couples who want to end their marriages can submit a divorce petition to the court of first instance. When both spouses agree to divorce, the divorce may begin to apply immediately if there are no children under 16. If the spouses have children, they first have to undergo what is known as a period of reflection of six months. The divorce can then go through. If only one of the spouses wishes to divorce, he or she will be entitled to do so after a six-month period of reflection. When a couple divorces, all assets must be divided between the spouses. The municipality or a lawyer can be consulted for more information on division of the joint property of the spouses.

Separation of cohabiting partners

Cohabiting partners do not have the same legal and financial protection as in a marriage. If cohabiting partners split up, the law states that the partners must share the things which they bought for their shared home. Cohabiting partners may divide their joint property if they so choose.

Family advisory service

Couples who are experiencing problems in their relationships or who want support during a divorce can consult the family advisory service. The family advisory service can support the couple to help them resolve their problems. You have to contact your municipality to book an appointment with the family advisory service.