Government sends draft family law to parliament

The government on Thursday sent to parliamentary procedure a draft family law bill which amongst else introduces legal protection of the family home in the interest of children.
 

If there is just one place of residence gained jointly in a marriage, in the case of a divorce and when children must seek a roof over their head, legal protection of the family home comes into force, Social Policy and Youth Minister Milanka Opacic explained.

The court can exceptionally rule that right of residency belongs to just one parent and children until they come of adult age.

The notion of a "legal representative" is being introduced who will defend children's rights and their interests when they need to appear in court as well as defending the interests of persons whose legal competence is restricted.

Marriage counselling is being introduced in divorce cases as well as mediation as an alternative way of conflict resolution.

Mediation until now has been on the margins as far as family conflicts are concerned and now we are introducing this as a systematic solution, Minister Opacic said. This is a support mechanism to help partners in a marriage to come up with a joint solution concerning joint welfare for their children, she added.

The government also forwarded final draft bills for physical planning, construction and building inspections in an effort to clearly define regulations in this segment, Construction Minister Anka Mrak Taritas said.

She added that as of January 1 it would be possible to apply for e-permits which until now has not been the case throughout Croatia.

Investors and citizens will be able to check online at what stage their request for a permit is.

Building permits should be issued within 35 days in that case and not 317 as is the case at the moment, Mrak Taritas underscored.

(Hina)
 

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