Reading time: 2 minutes 
The Czech lower house has approved a sweeping amendment to the Civil Code aimed at simplifying divorce proceedings and strengthening protections for children. If passed by the Senate, the bill would make it easier for couples with children to dissolve their marriages in a single court procedure and would formally declare corporal punishment of children unacceptable under Czech law.
The legislation eliminates the need to prove fault in divorce and merges custody decisions with divorce cases, streamlining what are now separate processes.
Lawmakers say the change will reduce emotional strain and legal costs for families. “This is about making the system more humane and more efficient,” said Helena Válková, a lawmaker from the opposition ANO party. “Corporal punishment is outdated in our society.”
Quicker divorce, fewer legal hurdles
Under the new rules, couples with minor children will be able to divorce in a single court hearing—provided they agree on custody and other terms. In uncontested cases, mandatory interviews of both spouses will no longer be required. The reform also scraps the distinction between joint, alternating and sole custody.
Courts will instead assume both parents share responsibility, unless there is a proven conflict of interest. Judges will also be allowed to assign alimony even in joint custody arrangements, if both parents agree. Notably, the law permits unpaid child support claims to be assigned to another party—often a debt collector—and increases interest penalties on overdue alimony.
Everyday Impact
The new law will speed up divorce proceedings, reducing emotional and financial burdens on families. It also sends a clear message against child corporal punishment, promoting safer, healthier environments for children. Parents and children alike can expect a more streamlined legal process and better-defined parental responsibilities. While penalties for child beatings aren’t added, the ban reinforces societal standards protecting children from physical and emotional harm.
Ban on child beatings reaffirmed
Though the bill states that parents must avoid causing physical or emotional harm, it does not introduce penalties for corporal punishment. The Justice Ministry says the clause aligns Czech law with European norms. While some lawmakers questioned the need to spell out the ban, others said the language sends a clear signal.
“This reflects the development of society,” said Pirate Party MP Jakub Michálek.
Political tensions over priorities
The bill passed without proposed amendments that would have expanded Supreme Court review of family law cases. Lawmakers also rejected a separate push to allow notarial divorces for childless couples.
