7 August 2024

Between 2022 and 2024, significant amendments were made to the Family Law in Cyprus. Key changes include:

Between 2022 and 2024, significant amendments were made to the Family Law in Cyprus. Key changes include:





1. Minimum Age for Marriage: The minimum legal age for marriage was raised from 16 to 18 years.





2. Filing for Divorce:
 - For religiously conducted marriages, the period required before filing for divorce was reduced from three months to six weeks after notifying the competent bishop.

 - Grounds for divorce now include separation for at least two years (reduced from four years), mutual consent after six months of marriage, bigamy, adultery, desertion, violence, gender change, disappearance, and death of a spouse.





3. Judicial Process:
 - Divorce cases are now handled by a single judge instead of three, and the same judge will oversee all cases involving the same parties.

 - Family Courts have sole jurisdiction over divorce cases from all religious groups.





4. Consolidation of Divorce Procedures: An introduction of a single application is considered so that multiple issues such as child custody, alimony, matrimonial property, and joint assets can be addressed at the same time, thus streamlining the process that previously required multiple applications.




These reforms aim to make family law more efficient, child-centered, and in line with international standards.