The spouses have an equal say within the family and equal rights and duties. Before the new Civil Code entered into force in 01.01.2002, there was the concept of the “head (chief) of the family” and this person was the husband.

They mutually undertake to strive to safeguard the interests of the marital union and to care jointly for the children and to educate them.

In choosing a career or education, spouses do not need to get the consent of the other spouse.

A woman acquires the surname of her husband with marriage. However, she can add her surname before that. This provision is the only provision that still creates inequality. But with the recent
court decisions woman’s right to continue carrying only her surnames started to be recognized.