The forms of parenting recognized in Italy: unmarried cohabiting couple

In Italy, unmarried cohabiting couples can become parents. However, the law does not automatically recognize the bond between the child and the biological parent's partner. If the couple is heterosexual, each parent can recognize their child individually. If the couple is homosexual, legal recognition is more complex and subject to jurisprudential decisions: currently the adoption of the partner's child (stepchild adoption) is allowed only in special cases, evaluated by juvenile courts, and is not automatically guaranteed by law. De facto cohabitation is governed by Law no. 76/2016 (so-called Cirinnà Law), which recognizes property and welfare rights, but does not automatically provide for shared parental rights. Main regulatory references: Law no. 76 of 20 May 2016 — Regulation of civil unions and de facto cohabitations/Civil Code — Art. 250 et seq. (Recognition of children born out of wedlock)