As a general rule, a family consists of people who live together, share a household and have mutual rights and responsibilities.
In addition to living together, recognition as family members requires a shared household, including:
- Shared expenses.
- A shared budget.
- Shared meals.
- Purchases of property for joint use.
- Contributions to housing maintenance and repairs.
- Mutual assistance.
- Agreements on how the accommodation is used.
- Other circumstances demonstrating a genuine family relationship.
Evidence of living together may also include:
- Witness testimony.
- Documents showing the man’s and woman’s registered addresses.
- Documents confirming purchases or spending for shared needs.
An application to establish this fact is submitted under separate proceedings to the local court at the applicant’s place of residence.
The application should specify:
- The fact to be established and its purpose.
- Why documents confirming that fact cannot be obtained or restored.
- Evidence supporting it.
