Notice of Intended Marriage in Zoetermeer

Notice of Intended Marriage in Zoetermeer

The notice of intended marriage marks the official start of a marriage in the Netherlands, specifically with the Municipality of Zoetermeer. Here, you announce your intention to marry on a specific date and time. The civil registrar checks for any legal impediments and publishes the notice, allowing others to raise objections. This process lasts at least 14 days and is essential for a legally valid marriage in Zoetermeer.

Legal Basis

This procedure is set out in the Dutch Civil Code (DCC), Book 1, Title 5 (articles 30-58). Key provisions include:

• Article 44 DCC: The civil registrar maintains a register of intended marriages in Zoetermeer.
• Article 45 DCC: The notice must be submitted no later than 14 days before the wedding date.
• Article 46 DCC: The publication must be displayed visibly in the Zoetermeer town hall for at least 14 days.
• Article 47 DCC: Third parties may lodge objections within that period if legal impediments are suspected, such as an existing marriage.

These rules ensure transparency and prevent invalid marriages, such as bigamy. Similar provisions apply to registered partnerships (art. 80 et seq. DCC).

Who Can Submit the Notice in Zoetermeer?

One of the partners or an authorized representative submits the notice to the Municipality of Zoetermeer, where the marriage will take place—not necessarily your place of residence. Both parties must be of legal age or emancipated (art. 31 DCC). Foreign nationals must meet visa and residence requirements.

Conditions for Partners

• Both must be capable of marriage (art. 30 DCC): no close family relationships or existing marriage.
• No guardianship without permission from the district court judge at the Zoetermeer District Court.
• Minors require parental or judicial consent (art. 36-38 DCC).

Required Documents

For submitting the notice to the Municipality of Zoetermeer, documents are required depending on your situation. Standard documents:

Request the checklist from the Municipality of Zoetermeer. Foreign documents must be translated and legalized.

Step-by-Step Procedure in Zoetermeer

1. Schedule an appointment: Via the website or phone of the Municipality of Zoetermeer, at least 14 days in advance.
2. Submit the notice: In person with documents; fee approx. €10-20.
3. Registrar's review: Check via BRP for any impediments.
4. Publication: List with names, dates of birth, and wedding date displayed in the Zoetermeer town hall (14 days).
5. Objection period: 14 days; no objections? Marriage can proceed.
6. Ceremony: Performed by the registrar with witnesses.

Practical Examples for Zoetermeer

Example 1: Anna (Dutch) and Ben (German) choose to marry in Zoetermeer. They submit their notice three weeks in advance to the civil registry. Ben's legalized documents are approved after publication.

Example 2: Karel, recently divorced, and Lisa submit their notice in Zoetermeer. A missing divorce decree is supplemented, leading to success.

Example 3: Partner with a criminal record? No problem, unless under guardianship via the Zoetermeer District Court; an existing partnership will block it.

Rights and Obligations

Rights:

• Inspect the public notice in the town hall.
• File an objection if impediments are suspected (art. 47 DCC).
• Free advice available at Zoetermeer Legal Aid Desk.

Obligations:

• Provide accurate information; false statements are punishable (art. 225 Criminal Code).
• Submit on time to avoid delays.
• Authenticate all documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for Zoetermeer

• Plan ahead: Book 3 months in advance with the Municipality of Zoetermeer; dates fill up quickly.
• Verify documents: Request certificates well in advance.
• Matrimonial property regime: Consider a notary for asset protection.
• Marriage abroad?: Check local rules and IND requirements.