The Supreme Court of Lithuania (LAT) has recently reinforced family law directions, with a special focus on the priority of child's interests and the active role of the court. This is reflected in the March 23, 2026 ruling regarding compensation for the improvement of a spouse's or partner's personal property.
New Ruling in Family Law
According to the latest LAT decision, if one spouse or partner has improved the personal property of another through their work or funds, such cases may give rise to a compensatory claim, rather than a change of ownership. The court must assess the amount of compensation based on the logic of family and property law, as well as construction law categories.
LAT Bulletin No. 63: Procedural Reviews
The LAT Bulletin No. 63, released on March 30, 2026, provides a procedural review emphasizing the active role of the court in family cases. The court must address issues of child's residence and maintenance, even if they are not separately formulated. Additionally, with changing circumstances, it is possible to revisit issues of child's residence, communication, or maintenance modification.
Strengthening Four Directions
In family law, LAT strengthens four directions: emphasizing the priority of child's interests, the active role of the court, a more flexible approach to repeated claims, and a more precise delineation of property improvement and compensation from ownership regime changes. There is also a pursuit of stricter impartiality standards for individuals representing the child.
These changes will transform family law practice and ensure that the child's interests are prioritized.