Cohabitation Agreement Template for Netherlands

A Cohabitation Agreement is a legal contract between unmarried partners who live together in the Netherlands, setting clear rules about their shared life and finances. It covers important aspects like property ownership, shared expenses, and what happens if the relationship ends.

Dutch couples often create these agreements to protect themselves since Dutch law doesn't automatically grant unmarried partners the same rights as married couples. The contract can include arrangements about pension rights, inheritance matters, and how to divide jointly purchased items - making it especially valuable for partners who own property together or share significant financial responsibilities.

Consider getting a Cohabitation Agreement before moving in together or making major joint purchases in the Netherlands. This is especially important when buying property together, combining finances, or starting a business with your partner - situations where your financial interests become deeply intertwined.

The agreement becomes crucial if you have different income levels, bring significant assets into the relationship, or plan to share costs unequally. It's also vital when children are involved or if one partner plans to reduce work hours to care for the household. Getting it done early helps prevent future disputes and protects both partners' interests.

• Basic Cohabitation Agreement: Covers essential living arrangements, shared expenses, and property division
• Financial Partnership Agreement: Focuses on detailed financial arrangements, joint accounts, and investment sharing
• Property-Focused Agreement: Specifically addresses home ownership, mortgage responsibilities, and property maintenance
• Family-Oriented Agreement: Includes provisions for children, caregiving arrangements, and family-related expenses
• Business Partnership Agreement: Combines personal cohabitation terms with provisions for shared business interests

• Unmarried Partners: The primary parties who sign the Cohabitation Agreement, setting rules for their shared life and finances
• Legal Advisors: Attorneys who draft and review agreements to ensure they comply with Dutch law and protect both partners' interests
• Notaries: Dutch civil law notaries who officially authenticate the agreement, making it legally binding
• Financial Advisors: Help partners understand tax implications and structure financial arrangements
• Property Agents: Often involved when the agreement includes provisions about shared property ownership

• Personal Details: Gather full legal names, addresses, and birthdates of both partners
• Asset Inventory: List all individual and shared assets, including property, vehicles, investments, and savings
• Financial Arrangements: Document how living expenses, utilities, and joint purchases will be shared
• Property Rights: Define ownership shares and management of jointly owned property
• Future Planning: Include agreements about pensions, inheritance rights, and relationship termination terms
• Legal Requirements: Schedule an appointment with a Dutch notary for official authentication

• Partner Information: Full legal names, birth dates, and current addresses of both parties
• Property Division: Clear terms about ownership and division of joint and individual assets
• Financial Arrangements: Detailed breakdown of shared expenses and financial responsibilities
• Inheritance Rights: Specific provisions about inheritance in case of death
• Termination Clause: Clear conditions and procedures for ending the agreement
• Dispute Resolution: Method for resolving disagreements under Dutch law
• Notarial Deed: Space for notary authentication and official signatures

A Cohabitation Agreement differs significantly from a Business Acquisition Agreement in both purpose and scope. While both are legally binding contracts, they serve entirely different functions in Dutch law.

• Legal Context: Cohabitation Agreements fall under family law and regulate personal relationships, while Business Acquisition Agreement operates in commercial law for business transactions
• Parties Involved: Cohabitation Agreements are between romantic partners sharing a household, whereas Business Acquisition Agreements involve buyers and sellers of business assets
• Duration and Terms: Cohabitation Agreements typically remain active throughout the relationship, with provisions for termination. Business Acquisition Agreements usually conclude once the transaction is complete
• Property Handling: Cohabitation Agreements focus on shared personal assets and living expenses, while Business Acquisition Agreements deal with company assets, liabilities, and commercial operations