Civil union spouses
Civil union (not to be confused with civil marriage) is a new institution, in existence since 24 June 2002. It is intended both for couples of the same sex or the opposite sex.
Civil union spouses have the same rights as married spouses (family patrimony, matrimonial regime). However, there are a few differences, particularly concerning the procedure for dissolution of a civil union.
The breakdown of a conjugal union
If the spouses do not have any dependent children and they agree on the consequences of the breakdown, particularly concerning the partition of their property, the breakdown may be recorded in 2 notarial acts (without a court judgment): the transaction contract and the declaration.
In such a case, the valuation of the property may be carried out on a date chosen by the spouses. That date must be between the date of joint procedure for the dissolution of the civil union or the date on which the spouses ceased living together, and the date of the notarized transaction contract.
Furthermore, if the spouses marry, the civil union will automatically be dissolved, but without partition of property.
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