If an official at the Civil Status Office has refused to register your marriage, you may challenge this decision in Court. The procedure and time-limits for the appeal should be indicated in the Civil Status Office’s decision.
Application
In your application to the Administrative Court, you should:
- refer to the relevant legal provisions that give you the right to request the registration of your marriage
- explain why you believe that the refusal to register your marriage was unlawful. You should describe all the circumstances that are important in deciding whether your request to register the marriage should have been granted
example If the refusal to register your marriage is based on the fact that you have failed to fulfill the formal criteria, you should explain why you believe that you have fulfilled them.
- add all relevant documents that substantiate your request, if there are any
note You may also ask for compensation, if you feel that the refusal to register your marriage has violated your right to a private and family life or caused any damages.
You can learn more about the legal requirements for your application in the Administrative Code.
Decision
The Court will assess whether the Civil Status Office has acted lawfully in refusing to register your marriage. If the court finds such a decision unlawful, it may oblige the Civil Status Office to register your marriage. If you have asked for compensation, the court may order the Civil Status Office to provide compensation.
Read more about your rights in the Administrative Court.