What does this regulate?
01 · UNDERSTAND
A marriage contract determines, within the legal possibilities, how your assets as spouses are organised. You can make agreements when marrying and modify your arrangement later. A notarial deed is required for this.
We review your existing system, separate assets, joint accrual and professional risks. A contribution, choice clause or other provision only has meaning when it is clear what it changes for each of you.
A RECOGNISABLE SITUATION
One spouse contributes a private residence into a joint estate. We discuss not only protection in case of death, but also if and how recovery is arranged upon divorce.
What requires attention?
02 · CHOOSE CONSCIOUSLY
Protection upon death and a balanced settlement upon divorce are separate issues. A clause that helps in one can have an unwanted consequence in the other.
Also explain what was agreed earlier and where doubts remain. A regulation can only be appropriately developed if facts and wishes are clear.
More points to consider for your own situation
03 · YOUR INTENTION
You do not need to be able to answer all this in advance. Your doubts are also a good starting point.
Click on a question for an initial explanation or practical tip. You do not need to have an answer to everything yet.
What did each own before the marriage and what was acquired later?
Make an overview of assets and debts with their origin and date of purchase. Include proof of inheritances, gifts and important personal contributions.
Who takes care, who earns income and how do you want this to be considered?
Describe how you divide work, income and caregiving tasks and what you consider fair. Also indicate what you want to provide for if one of you works less.
Do you want to make something joint or keep it separate?
Specify concrete assets, such as the house, savings or a business. Have each asset explained in terms of what a change means during the marriage and upon its termination.
What choices should the surviving partner be able to make?
Note the freedom the surviving partner needs regarding residence, income and assets. Also discuss what this means for the children.
Are there children from a previous relationship or professional debts?
List all children, prior agreements and professional risks. This way, the interests of partner, children and any creditors are considered together.
What do we need, and why?
04 · PREPARATION
Bring what you already have. We will agree on any additional documents the office needs to request. The final list depends on your file.
Identity and contact details
To correctly identify the persons involved and their capacity. Provide identity documents via the channel we agree with you.
Marriage contract and all amendments
To see which arrangement applies today.
Deeds of ownership and overview of assets and debts
To calculate the consequences of any change concretely.
Gifts, wills and relevant family arrangements
To avoid conflicting arrangements.
Overview of your wishes in case of breakup or death
To discuss both situations separately.
Is something missing? Mention it in your application. An initial meeting does not have to wait until you have gathered everything yourself.
What does NotaLegal do for you?
05 · GUIDANCE
We explain your current arrangement, compare relevant changes and make the consequences visible for each of you. The agreed terms are recorded in a notarial deed and entered in the required registers.
You will receive a draft for discussion. We review your questions and agree the final version before signing. Afterwards, we explain which preservation, registration or further execution applies to your document.
Know in advance what to expect.
06 · FEES
Statutory tariff where legally established
For deeds with a legally established fee, we apply that tariff. The total settlement also includes, depending on the file, taxes, dossier costs, third-party expenses and VAT. For services without a legally established fee, we agree the remuneration in advance.
You will receive a clear explanation in advance regarding the costs of your transaction. We discuss the services your file requires and distinguish between fee, taxes and other costs.
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Substantive background: notaris.be · Marriage Agreement
General explanation for preparing your meeting. Foreign ties, previous documents and your concrete situation may change the outcome. Sources and legal explanation.