The Civil Law of the Republic of Latvia (Civillikums) was adopted on 28 January 1937 and entered into force on 1 January 1938. It was suspended during the Soviet period and reinstated in stages after Latvia regained independence in 1991. The full reinstatement occurred in 1993, with subsequent amendments, notably in 2013–2022, modernizing family law, succession, and contract provisions, and aligning with European Union legislation.
The Civil Law is composed of four main Parts, subdivided into Chapters and Sections: I) Family Law (arts. 32–238); II) Inheritance Law (arts. 383–655); III) Law of Property (arts. 927–1508); IV) Law of Obligations (arts. 1511–2400). Articles 1–31 contain general provisions and introductory rules.
PROPERTY AND REAL RIGHTS. Property rights are defined in article 927 as the right to possess, use, and dispose of a thing at one’s discretion, within limits set by law. Real rights include ownership, possession, servitudes (arts. 1130–1234), pledges, and usufruct. Land ownership is subject to cadastral registration (arts. 994–1003). Servitudes may relate to land, access, and utilities, including rights of way, water use, and drainage (arts. 1130–1155). Adverse possession (usucapion) is regulated in articles 1050–1062.
INHERITANCE. Inheritance is governed by Part Two (arts. 383–655). It occurs through statutory succession or testamentary succession (wills). Testamentary freedom is recognized but limited by compulsory share rules for certain heirs (Art. 423–430). Estate administration, acceptance and renunciation procedures are regulated in articles 683–655.