What is Law 56?
Act 56, which comes into effect on June 30, 2025, creates a new parental union regime. It applies to parents who are not married but have a child together.
What this means for parents
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If two people have a child together, they automatically form a “parental union,” even if they are not in a relationship or do not live together.
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This union gives them shared rights and responsibilities towards the child. For example, they must decide together on:
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school,
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health,
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places of residence.
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What about the house or the business?
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If parents buy a house, furniture, or a car for the family, these assets may become joint property, even if they are in the name of only one parent.
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When the parental union ends (e.g., separation), these assets may be divided equally, unless the parents have signed a contract with a notary stating otherwise.
What if the parents separate?
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Each parent retains their rights as a parent.
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They must share certain things fairly for the sake of the child.
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A parent may request money or compensation if they have provided significant assistance to the other parent (e.g., renovations, business support, etc.).
What if it goes wrong?
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Judges will have more powers to protect parents and children:
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If there is domestic violence,
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If there is abusive behavior in court.
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The same judge can follow the case to avoid having to start from scratch each time.
When does it start?
The law applies:
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only for children born or adopted after June 30, 2025.
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It does not affect married couples.
How can we opt out of Bill 56?
A couple can opt out of the parental union regime by signing a notarized parenting agreement:
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Before birth, or
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Within 30 days of the child’s birth.
This agreement must provide for a different arrangement of parental responsibilities (e.g., sole custody, different allocation of expenses, communication arrangements, etc.).