Estonia, Law and Regulations, Legislation

“In Estonia, the share of cohabitation couples has increased and that of traditional marriages has decreased for a long period of time,” Michal writes. “For example, in the past decade, the majority of children were born outside registered marriages (58% of children in 2007). At the same time the property and legal relations of partners have become more complicated,” wrote Michal.

Michal said that thus the feeling of security and protection of rights of the weaker side of tens of thousands of couples, be it a woman or a man, has become so much more important and a very sensitive subject for all.

Michal announced that after analyses and consultations, the ministry includes in its working plan for next year creation of a cohabitation law to regulate non-marital cohabitation better.