Latvia: Constitutional Court: Higher administrative fee for non-married couples discriminates against same-sex couples

On 8 April 2021 the Latvian Constitutional Court delivered a decision stating that the state fee for testamentary or contractual heirs, which is significantly higher for persons who are not married spouses, discriminates against same-sex couples; in particular, the Latvian state has failed providing proper protection to same sex families.

Case No 2020-34-03

On Compliance of Para 13 of the Cabinet Regulation of 27 October 2009 No. 1250 “Regulation Regarding State Fee for Registering Ownership Rights and Pledge Rights in the Land Register” with Article 91, Article 105 and Article 110 of the Satversme of the Republic of Latvia Adjudicated Applicant: Tiesībsargs Date of the judgment: 08.04.2021. Official publication: 12.04.2021.