Ukraine to Prohibit Marriage Between Close Relatives Starting in 2026.

Prohibition on Marriages Between Close Relatives

According to Novyny.live: In Ukraine, only the officially registered union of a man and a woman is legally recognized as a marriage. Starting in 2026, a new law will prohibit marriages between close relatives. This means individuals with close familial ties will no longer be able to legally formalize their relationships. This legal update brings Ukraine in line with common international family law practices.

According to Article 26 of the Family Code of Ukraine, marriage is prohibited between the following relatives:

• Full and half siblings;
• Relatives in a direct line of kinship — parents, children, grandparents, and grandchildren;
• First cousins;
• An aunt or uncle with a nephew or niece.

Additionally, an adoptive parent and an adopted child cannot marry until the adoption is legally annulled.

It is important to note that a marriage deemed invalid does not create spousal rights or obligations. Property acquired during such a union will be considered common partial ownership. This new provision aims to protect the integrity of family relationships and ensure legal clarity in marital matters. All these rules will come into force in 2026, and compliance will be mandatory.

Significance of the Family Code Reforms

The introduction of these new norms in Ukraine's Family Code represents a significant step in ensuring legal order within family relations. The restrictions on marriage between close relatives align with international standards and practices, which also help mitigate the risks of genetic disorders in offspring. As these changes will not take effect for several years, society will have time to discuss and adapt to the new legal realities.