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Library picture: Luxembourg’s central courthouse, seen in 2012. Photo credit: David Laurent 

The law eliminates “at fault” divorces, according to a Chamber of Deputies statement on 14 June. The two divorce choices will be mutual consent and irreversible breakdown of marital relations.

The bill also sets up a specialist family court. Family judges will handle questions of alimony, parental custody and visitation rights, and division of property.

By default, both parents will share joint parental authority, under the new law. Alternative custody will be allowed if it is in the best interest of the child.

In addition, other family members, such as grandparents, may potentially be granted certain rights. Children will be able to, under certain conditions, petition a family judge directly for a change in custody and alimony arrangements.

Bill 6996 passed by a vote of 34 to 26. DP, LSAP, déi Gréng and déi Lénk MPs voted in favour, while the CSV and ADR MPs were against. Green party MP Sam Tanson was the bill’s rapporteur.