A government commission commonly expressed support for a proposal to provide complimentary legal assistance to families with three or more children. The initiative originated from a coalition of lawmakers that included Senator Irina Rukavishnikova and State Duma deputies Dmitry Vyatkin and Artem Metelev. The report on the matter was shared by RTVI, offering context on how the idea began and who championed it.
The core of the proposal would extend free legal aid to parents and guardians who raise three or more children, with eligibility criteria that cover those under 18 years of age, or up to 23 if any child is pursuing education. The aim is to reduce barriers to legal support for large families during critical periods such as court proceedings, paternity or maternity determinations, and related objections that may arise in family law matters.
According to materials from the government commission on legislative activity, the Cabinet of Ministers expressed support for the bill on the condition that regional governments shoulder the costs of implementation from their own budgets. This indicates a shared financial responsibility across national and subnational levels to ensure access to justice for eligible families.
Earlier reports suggested discussions about introducing a payment mechanism timed to coincide with the Day of Family, Love and Loyalty. In that context, the president directed the government to examine the feasibility of such a program, signaling high-level interest in aligning policy timing with national family-oriented campaigns. This aligns with the broader theme of offering targeted support while evaluating fiscal practicality.
There were also previous proposals in the State Duma that referenced a broader demographic initiative described as a special operation aimed at improving family demographics. While those ideas encompassed multiple policy instruments, the current focus remains on establishing a concrete framework for free legal services to large families and clarifying administrative responsibilities for funding and rollout. This ongoing dialogue underscores the attention given to family welfare and the role of law in supporting households with multiple children.
As debates continue, stakeholders emphasize the potential benefits of accessible legal aid for large families, including faster resolution of custody and paternity issues, clearer parentage determinations, and more predictable legal outcomes. The discussion also touches on the need for streamlined administration, transparent funding channels, and mechanisms to monitor the program’s effectiveness over time. With these elements in place, the policy aims to improve equity in access to justice for a segment of the population that often faces unique legal challenges and resource constraints. (Attribution: RTVI and government commission materials)