Research into legal regulation of multi-parenthood continued

The caretaker government is continuing its investigation into the possible introduction of multiple parenthood and joint custody. The results are expected to be shared with the House of Representatives in early 2024.

This was reported by the Minister for Legal Protection and the Minister of Education, Culture and Science in a letter to the House of Representatives . The investigations were prompted by the 2016 recommendation from the State Commission on the Reassessment of Parenthood, which proposed allowing for more than two legal parents and more than two persons with parental authority. The State Commission recommended creating a broad framework for various multi-parent situations, not only for rainbow families, but also for stepparents and foster parents.

Social context
An interdepartmental working group has conducted further research into the societal need for such a scheme, the definition of the target group for such a scheme, the best interests of the child, and the impact on existing legislation and regulations. Discussions were held with civil society organizations. Focus groups provided a better understanding of the problems and suffering experienced by multi-parent families due to the lack of legal provisions for multi-parenthood and parental responsibility.

Position of the caretaker cabinet
The caretaker government acknowledges that multi-parent situations exist in our society. It will not make its own decision on the implementation of multi-parenthood and parental authority, but it does consider it important to prepare the decision-making process as thoroughly as possible. Therefore, several studies have been commissioned. The initial results are expected to be shared with the House of Representatives in early 2024.