samenlevingscontract

A samenlevingscontract is a legal agreement between two adults who live together without being married or in a registered partnership. The contract is a private arrangement that partners can use to regulate their mutual rights and obligations regarding finances, property, and household matters during the course of their cohabitation.

Typical topics covered in a samenlevingscontract include ownership and use of assets and debts, how living expenses and household costs are shared, and arrangements about joint purchases or a shared home. It can specify how income, savings, and pensions are treated, and it may set rules for decision making on major financial choices. The contract can also address what happens if the relationship ends, such as how property is divided, how outstanding debts are handled, and how living arrangements or financial support are managed.

In the Netherlands and other Dutch-speaking jurisdictions, a samenlevingscontract is not automatically created by simply living together; it is a voluntary agreement that may be drawn up privately or by a notary. Writing it in a formal document, or having it notarized, can enhance enforceability, especially for matters involving property or complex financial arrangements. While a cohabitation contract can coordinate terms upon dissolution, it cannot contravene mandatory law or override certain statutory rights, such as those related to children, or protections that apply if one partner becomes entitled to specific legal claims.

A samenlevingscontract is distinct from marriage or a registered partnership and does not by itself confer government-recognized partner rights. Couples considering such an agreement are advised to seek legal guidance to ensure the contract reflects their intentions and complies with applicable legislation.