When the state of emergency was declared in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, the civil status offices started to register marriages in the exclusive presence of the bride and groom. The relevant restrictions will not be lifted at least until June 30.
In a response to an inquiry made by IPN, the Public Services Agency said the local civic status offices ensured the registration of marriages based on persons’ statements submitted before the state of emergency that was declared in Moldova on March 17 and on statements filed during the state of emergency, following an ordinance made by the Commission for Exceptional Situations on April 21.
Under the legal provisions, a marriage is registered in the presence of the persons who get married in a month of the submission of a marriage statement by the two, but not later than two months of that day. In exceptional situations, such as danger to life, pregnancy or existence of a common child younger than one, the marriage can be registered the day the statement is filed.
Under the Family Code, the marriage statement is submitted in person by those who want to get married to the civil status office situated in the area where one of the two or the parents of one of them has the domicile.