A cohabitation agreement is an agreement for partners in Zoetermeer who live together without getting married. With this, you record arrangements regarding finances, the home, and the situation in the event of a possible separation.
What does a cohabitation agreement entail?
A cohabitation agreement is a document, drawn up privately or via a notary, in which cohabitants in Zoetermeer record arrangements regarding:
- Who owns which items
- How the costs are divided
- Arrangements in the event of a relationship breakdown
- Arrangements regarding pension
Why choose a cohabitation agreement?
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Clarity | Clear overview of payments and ownership |
| Security | Protection in the event of a breakup |
| Survivor's pension | Necessary for partner's pension |
| Inheritance arrangements | Option for a habitation clause |
| Tax benefits | Opportunity for fiscal partnership |
Choosing between notarial or private?
- Private: Draft it yourself, free of charge, but legally weaker
- Notarial: Via a notary in Zoetermeer, costs between €300-500, provides more certainty and is required for certain arrangements
What matters do you regulate in a cohabitation agreement?
- How household expenses are divided
- Ownership of household goods and other possessions
- Arrangements regarding the home
- Habitation clause (who gets the home in the event of death)
- Partner pension arrangement
- What to do at the end of the relationship
Frequently asked questions about cohabitation agreements in Zoetermeer
Is a cohabitation agreement necessary?
No, it is not mandatory, but without an agreement, you have virtually no statutory rights as a cohabitant in Zoetermeer.
Do cohabitants have a right to alimony?
No, unless this is specifically included in the agreement via an alimony clause.
What happens without an agreement in the event of a breakup?
Without an agreement, everything remains with the original owner. Jointly owned items must be divided, which often leads to disputes.
Additional questions and answers
Is a notary necessary or can I make an agreement myself?
You can draft a private agreement yourself, but it has less legal value. A notarial agreement, drawn up by a notary in Zoetermeer, provides more certainty, especially for matters such as inheritance law or pension. Costs are around €300-€500.
What happens to our home in Zoetermeer without an agreement in the event of a separation?
Without an agreement, the home remains with the person in whose name it is registered. The other partner has no rights, unless contributions to costs or the mortgage can be proven. An agreement prevents such problems.
Can my partner inherit via a cohabitation agreement?
Yes, provided a notarial agreement contains a habitation clause. This arranges for your partner to be able to stay in the home upon death. For full inheritance protection, a will is recommended.
What about pension for cohabitants?
By default, cohabitants have no right to survivor's pension. This is arranged via a notarial agreement and registration with the pension fund.
Can we stipulate alimony?
Yes, with an alimony clause in the agreement, you can make financial arrangements for after a breakup. This provides certainty, especially with income differences.
What are the tax benefits?
With a notarial agreement, you can apply for fiscal partnership in Zoetermeer, which offers benefits such as sharing deductions and transferring tax-free assets.
How long is a cohabitation agreement valid?
The agreement remains in force until it is terminated, or if you marry or enter into a registered partnership.
For legal advice in Zoetermeer, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer. For matters that go to court, Zoetermeer falls under the Rechtbank Den Haag.