Couples in Europe
The law for couples in the 27 EU countries
Couples in Europe
More and more Europeans are living outside their country of origin. Many international couples have assets – such as property or bank accounts – in several countries. They face legal uncertainty and extra costs if they have to divide their assets in the case of divorce, separation or death. It may be difficult for them to know which jurisdictions and laws are relevant to their situation and property.
The European Union has taken up these issues with the adoption of European Regulations 2016/1103 on matrimonial property regimes and 2016/1104 on the property consequences of registered partnerships.
The Notaries of Europe also contribute to legal certainty with the “Couples in Europe” website www.coupleseurope.eu. This website gives an overview of the law in the 28 Member States and provides answers to legal questions that any couple in the EU might have.
What are the consequences of divorce or separation in terms of our matrimonial property regime? Which law is applicable to a couple's property? What does the law provide for the property of registered and non-registered partners? What are the consequences of death in terms of our matrimonial property regime? These are some of the questions that you can find the answer to on the www.coupleseurope.eu website, available in 21 languages. The content is regularly updated to reflect European and national legislative developments.