6.5 Divorce rate

Divorce rate refers to the relative number of marriages dissolved. Applications for divorce are submitted to a court of law. Divorce legislation varies widely between different countries. Many Catholic countries do not accept divorce at all.

In Finland applications for divorce are submitted to District Courts. Divorce may be granted either after a reconsideration period of six months, or after the spouses have lived separately for two years. In connection with a divorce courts will also issue their decisions on how the spouses' property shall be divided, maintenance payments to the spouse and children and the custody and visiting rights of children.

For more details, see http://www.om.fi/20501.htm