Termination of Registered Partnership in Tilburg

Termination of Registered Partnership in Tilburg

For residents of Tilburg, the termination of a registered partnership means its official dissolution, similar to a divorce but usually less complex. You can handle this mutually at the civil registry officer of the Municipality of Tilburg or via the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant in Breda. Key requirements: no minor children and agreement on the settlement. This article outlines the steps, rights, and obligations specifically for Tilburg residents.

Legal Basis

The registered partnership is governed by Book 1 of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC), articles 1:80 to 1:88 DCC. Termination is regulated under article 1:84 DCC, with grounds such as:

• Death of a partner;
• Marriage of a partner;
• Dissolution by the court (art. 1:85 DCC);
• Since 2018: mutual dissolution at the civil registry (art. 1:84(2) DCC).

The simple route via the Municipality of Tilburg applies if there are no children and consensus on finances. Otherwise, the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant (Breda) is required. More on partnerships? See our article.

Termination Options in Tilburg

Two options for Tilburg residents:

Mutual Dissolution at the Municipality of Tilburg

Quick and affordable since the Act Simplifying Divorce Law (2018). Conditions:

• Full agreement;
• No minors;
• No disputes over asset division.

Steps:

1. Jointly prepare a petition with agreements on home, belongings, and pensions.
2. Submit to the civil registry officer at the Municipality of Tilburg (if registered there).
3. Review within 2 weeks, followed by an appointment for the declaration.
4. Registration and immediate ratification.

Costs: approximately €80 (court fee 2024), no lawyer required.

Via the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant (Breda)

For cases with children or disputes: file a petition (art. 1:85 DCC). Similar to divorce:

1. Lawyer prepares the petition (mandatory).
2. Court in Breda reviews and schedules a hearing.
3. Agreement: ruling within months; dispute: additional hearings.

Costs: €326 court fee (2024) + lawyer (€1,000–€5,000).

Asset Division and Finances

Arrange the division of management and living expenses (art. 1:87 DCC). By default, community of property applies. For Tilburg residents:

• Home: Sale or mortgage transfer to one partner.
• Pension: Division by the fund.
• Debts: Equally, otherwise via settlement agreement.

Draw up a settlement agreement; the court decides in case of dispute.

Impact on Children

With minors, the court approves the parenting plan and child support (art. 1:251, 1:404 DCC). Parents remain equally responsible, e.g., co-parenting with fixed contact arrangements.

Comparison with Divorce

Divorce details: our article.

Tilburg Examples

• Example 1: Anna and Bob from Tilburg, no children. Settlement at Municipality of Tilburg, free after 3 weeks. Costs €100.
• Example 2: Karel and Lisa from Reeshof have a 5-year-old child. Dispute over support: lawyer to Breda, court awards €250/month.
• Example 3: Upon death: automatic dissolution, estate via inheritance law.

Rights and Obligations

Rights: Partner maintenance (3 years, art. 1:157 DCC), pension, benefits.

Obligations: Share information, comply with settlement, child support.

After termination: no inheritance rights, but agreements remain binding.

Tips for Tilburg Residents

• Try mediation (€100–€200/hour, see mediation).
• Notarial settlement for security.
• Check benefits and mortgage at Municipality of Tilburg.
• Free advice at Juridisch Loket Tilburg or specialized lawyers.
• Keep evidence: bills, valuations.