Parental union: Protection for children and the whole family

Parental union is a new regime applicable to de facto spouses. A parental union is automatically formed when two spouses

• become parents of a common child born on or after June 30, 2025,
• live together, and
• present themselves publicly as a couple.

If you are already parents of a common child born before June 30, 2025, you may choose to form a parental union on a voluntary basis. You can do this in one of two ways: by notarial act or by written contract signed in the presence of two witnesses.

As of June 30, 2025, you can use the parental union agreement tool to help you draft your agreement.

If you are not married (de facto spouses) and become the parents of a child on or after June 30, 2025, you will automatically be in a parental union.

This new regime offers protection for the entire family while introducing new rights and obligations for spouses, such as the creation of a parental union patrimony. This patrimony includes family residences, furniture, and cars used for family travel.