BOOK  II. FAMILY AND SUCCESSIONS

TITLE IV. BONDS OF RELATIONSHIP BY CONSANGUINITY AND BY AFFINITY

Chapter 1. Relationship by consanguinity and by affinity in general

Art. 550.-  Natural relationship.

(1)    Bonds of natural relationship derive from community of blood.

(2)    A bond of relationship by consanguinity exists, in the direct line between ascendants and descendants.

(3)    In the collateral line, it exists between persons who descend from one or more common ascendants.

Art. 551.- Degree of relationship by consanguinity.

(1)    The degree of relationship by consanguinity in the collateral line shall be calculated by counting seven generations in each line from the common ancestor.

(2)    Relationship by consanguinity shall be off no effect beyond the seventh generation.

Art. 552.- Affinity.

(1)    Bonds of affinity derive from marriage.

(2)    A bond of affinity exists, in the direct line, between a person and the ascendants or descendants of the spouse.

(3)    In the collateral line, it exists between a  person and the collaterals of his spouse.

Art. 553.- Limitation up to third degree.

Affinity shall be of no effect beyond the third degree the collateral line.

Art. 554.- Double affinity.

(1)    A bond of double affinity exists between a person and the spouse of the persons to whom he is related by affinity.

(2)    Such bound of double affinity shall produce the same effect as a and of simple affinity.

Art. 555.- Cessation of affinity.

A bond of affinity shall subsist in the direct and collateral line notwithstanding that the marriage by which it was created is dissolved.

Art. 556.- Relationship by adoption. 1. Principle.

Bonds of consanguinity and affinity may be created by a contract of adoption, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 11 of this Title (Art. 976-806).

Art. 557.- 2. Effects.

Without prejudice to the provisions of Art. 558 an adopted child shall for all purposes be deemed to the a child of the adopter.

Art. 558.- 3. Saving clauses.

(1)    Adoption shall be of no effect with regard to the ascendants or collaterals of the adopter who have expressly declared to the opposed to the adoption.

(2)    The declaration referred to in sub-art. (1) shall be of no effect  unless it is registered with a notary or in a court registry within one year from the approval of  the contract of adoption.

(3)    It shall produce effect in regard to the spouse and he descendants of the person making it.

Art. 559.- Family of origin.

(1)    The adopted child shall retain his bonds with his family of  origin.

(2)    The small shall apply to the spouse and the descendants of the adoption and the family of origin, the family of adoption shall prevail.