By Elena Giannattasio, International Family Lawyer (New York & San Francisco), Multi-Jurisdictional Divorce, PLLC
Estonia expressly authorizes marital property contracts, whether signed before or during marriage. Under the Estonia Family Law Act §§ 8–13, spouses may decide:
● What property will remain separate,
● What will become joint property,
● How joint property will be managed or divided,
● The scope of mutual maintenance obligations, and
● Any other proprietary arrangements they consider necessary.
These agreements must be notarized and entered into the marital property contract register. The agreement remains valid between the spouses even without registration but binds third parties only once registered in the national system. The register is maintained through Estonia’s land registry courts.
Our Global Practice Perspective
From New York and San Francisco, international family lawyer Elena Giannattasio would incorporate this registration and third party-effect rules into broader cross-border planning for clients with U.S.–Estonia connections.
Foreign Law Disclaimer, Multi-Jurisdictional Divorce, PLLC
This overview concerns foreign law. Elena Giannattasio, Esq. is not admitted to practice in Estonia and does not advise on Estonian Law. All information is provided strictly for general educational purposes and is not legal advice.