On Thursday, the 7th of September, the Latvian Saeima passed amendments to the Civil Law, as well as accompanying amendments, stating that the groom and the bride can invite one or two adult witnesses. At the same time, not having witnesses will not be an obstacle for the registration of marriage.
Amendments will come into force on the 1st of July 2024 and will be applicable in cases when the application and other documents necessary for the conclusion of the marriage are submitted to the General Registry Office or diplomatic or consular offices of the Republic of Latvia abroad after that date.
Amendments also provide for the clarification of the period of time within which a person or a court of law can challenge paternity assumption. Until now the law stated that a child can challenge paternity assumption within two years of reaching adulthood.
Amendments state that a child that reaches adulthood will be able to challenge paternity assumption in a court of law within two years, starting with the day he or she learns information that exclude the possibility of paternity.
On the other hand, if the child becomes aware of the circumstances excluding paternity before reaching the age of majority, he or she will be able to challenge the paternity assumption in a court of law within two years after reaching adulthood.
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