Termination of Registered Partnership in Zoetermeer

Termination of Registered Partnership in Zoetermeer

In Zoetermeer, you can terminate a registered partnership through a simple legal procedure, similar to divorce but often less complex. This can be done mutually via the civil registry officer of the Municipality of Zoetermeer or via the District Court of Zoetermeer. Essential: no minor children and agreement on the settlement. This article outlines the steps, your rights and obligations specifically for residents of Zoetermeer.

Legal Basis for Termination

The rules for registered partnerships are set out in Book 1 of the Civil Code (DCC), articles 1:80-1:88 DCC. Termination is governed by article 1:84 DCC on grounds such as:

• Death of a partner;
• Marriage of a partner;
• Dissolution by the court (art. 1:85 DCC);
• Since 2018: mutual dissolution by the civil registry officer (art. 1:84(2) DCC).

The fast-track option via the Municipality of Zoetermeer applies if there are no children and agreement on asset division. Otherwise, proceed via the District Court of Zoetermeer, similar to divorce. More on partnerships? See our article.

Options for Termination in Zoetermeer

Two options for terminating a registered partnership in Zoetermeer:

Mutual Dissolution via the Municipality of Zoetermeer

Since the Act Simplifying Divorce Law (2018), a cost-effective choice. Requirements:

• Full agreement between partners;
• No joint minors;
• No disputes over asset division.

Steps:

1. Jointly prepare a petition with agreements on home, belongings and pensions.
2. Submit to the civil registry officer of the Municipality of Zoetermeer (where the partnership was often registered).
3. Review within about 2 weeks, followed by an appointment for the declaration.
4. Registration in the records: immediately effective.

Costs: approx. €80 (court fee 2024), no lawyer required.

Dissolution via District Court of Zoetermeer

If children, disputes or objections are involved: file a petition with the District Court of Zoetermeer (art. 1:85 DCC). Similar to divorce:

1. Lawyer (mandatory) prepares the petition.
2. Court reviews and schedules a hearing.
3. Agreement: ruling within months. Dispute: additional hearings.

Costs: €326 court fee (2024) + lawyer (€1,000-€5,000).

Asset Division and Finances

Arrange the division of property and debts (art. 1:87 DCC). By default, community of property applies. In practice for Zoetermeer residents:

• Home: Sale or mortgage transfer to one partner.
• Pension: Division by the fund, as in divorce.
• Debts: Equally, or otherwise per settlement agreement.

Draw up a settlement agreement. In case of dispute, the District Court of Zoetermeer decides.

Impact on Children

With minors, the District Court of Zoetermeer approves the parenting plan and child support (art. 1:251, 1:404 DCC). Parents remain equally liable, e.g., via co-parenting.

Comparison with Divorce

Divorce details: our article.

Examples from Zoetermeer

• Example 1: Anna and Bob from Zoetermeer, childless, handle settlement agreement at Municipality of Zoetermeer. Free within 3 weeks, €100 costs.
• Example 2: Karel and Lisa with 5-year-old child, dispute over support. Lawyer at District Court of Zoetermeer: €250/month after hearing.
• Example 3: On partner death: automatic termination, estate via inheritance law.

Your Rights and Obligations

Rights: Partner maintenance (3 years, art. 1:157 DCC), pension claim, benefits.

Obligations: Transparency, comply with settlement agreement, child support.

Post-termination: no inheritance rights, but agreements remain binding.

Tips for Zoetermeer Residents

• Consider mediation (€100-€200/hour, see mediation).
• Notarial settlement agreement for security.
• Check mortgage, benefits and allowances.
• Free advice at Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer or specialist lawyers.
• Keep evidence: bills, valuations.