Best Marriage Lawyers in Šiauliai

About Marriage Law in Šiauliai, Republic of Lithuania

Marriage in Šiauliai, as in all of Lithuania, is governed by the Lithuanian Civil Code and related legal provisions. Whether you are a local resident or a foreigner seeking to marry in Šiauliai, it is important to understand the legal requirements and procedures. Lithuanian law recognizes both civil and religious marriages, but only civil marriages registered with the Civil Registry Office have legal effect. Understanding the process and your rights is key to ensuring that your marriage is valid and properly recognized by authorities.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

While many marriages in Šiauliai proceed without legal complication, there are several situations where legal assistance can be invaluable. These include cases where one or both parties are foreigners, when there are questions regarding prenuptial agreements, issues related to property rights during marriage, or concerns about previous marriages or divorces. A lawyer can also help if you plan to marry someone with unique legal status, such as a non-resident, or if you anticipate future legal disputes about children, inheritance, or assets. Legal advice can ensure your marriage is legally valid and that your rights are protected.

Local Laws Overview

The key aspects of marriage laws in Šiauliai are as follows:

• Both parties must be at least 18 years old, though exceptions can exist in special circumstances with court approval.
• The marriage must be registered with the Civil Registry Office (Civilinės metrikacijos skyrius) to be legally valid.
• Civil and religious marriage ceremonies are recognized, but only the civil ceremony grants legal status.
• Both Lithuanian citizens and foreigners can get married in Šiauliai provided they meet legal requirements and submit necessary documents.
• Marriage is prohibited between close relatives, adoptive parents and adopted children, and between persons who are already married.
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are allowed and must be executed according to specific legal requirements to be valid.
• Same-sex marriage is not currently recognized under Lithuanian law.
• Documents issued abroad must be officially translated into Lithuanian and may need to be legalized or bear an apostille.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are required to get married in Šiauliai?

Both parties must provide valid passports or ID cards, a birth certificate, and proof of termination of any previous marriage (if applicable) such as a divorce decree or death certificate of a former spouse. Foreign documents need official translations and, in many cases, legalization or apostille.

Do both partners need to be Lithuanian citizens?

No, at least one of the partners must be a resident or have a legitimate reason to marry in Lithuania. Foreign citizens can marry locals as long as all legal requirements are met.

Is it mandatory to have a civil marriage ceremony?

Yes, only marriages registered by the Civil Registry Office are legally recognized. Religious ceremonies alone do not give legal effect to marriage.

How far in advance do we need to apply for a marriage date?

You must submit your application at least one calendar month in advance of your planned wedding date. In certain cases involving urgent reasons, a special permit may reduce this waiting period.

Can same-sex couples marry in Šiauliai?

Currently, Lithuanian law does not recognize same-sex marriage.

What is the minimum legal age for marriage?

Both parties must be at least 18 years old. In exceptional circumstances, a court may permit marriage at 16 or older.

Are prenuptial agreements legal?

Yes, prenuptial (and postnuptial) agreements are legally recognized, but they must meet formal requirements under the Civil Code, including being in writing and notarized.

What happens to property acquired during marriage?

By default, property acquired during marriage is considered joint property, unless a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement specifies otherwise.

Is it possible to change my surname after marriage?

Yes, both spouses can choose to take the surname of either partner, retain their own, or combine surnames.

What if one or both partners do not speak Lithuanian?

An officially certified interpreter must be present at the ceremony to ensure both parties understand the proceedings.

Additional Resources

For further assistance and up-to-date information on marriage in Šiauliai, you may contact:

• Šiauliai Civil Registry Office (Civilinės metrikacijos skyrius)
• Lithuanian Department of Civil Registration (Vyriausioji civilinės metrikacijos ir registracijos įstaiga)
• Lithuanian Ministry of Justice
• Embassies or consular offices for foreign nationals
• Legal clinics or notary offices in Šiauliai

Next Steps

If you require legal advice or wish to clarify your rights and obligations before marriage in Šiauliai, consider consulting a licensed family law attorney. You can start by:

• Contacting the Šiauliai Civil Registry Office to confirm document requirements for your specific situation.
• Gathering and translating all necessary documents if you or your partner are foreigners.
• Scheduling a legal consultation to review prenuptial agreements or special circumstances such as property concerns or previous marriages.
• Ensuring compliance with all local regulations to facilitate a smooth and legally valid marriage process.

Professional legal advice can help avoid unexpected complications and ensure your marriage is built on a strong legal foundation.