Termination of Registered Partnership in Amsterdam

Termination of Registered Partnership in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, you can terminate a registered partnership through a simple procedure, similar to divorce but often easier. Partners arrange this together with the civil registry officer of the Municipality of Amsterdam or via the Amsterdam District Court. Condition: no minor children and agreement on the settlement. This article discusses the steps, rights, and obligations specifically for Amsterdam residents.

Legal Basis for Termination

A registered partnership is governed by Book 1 of the Civil Code (BW), Articles 1:80-1:88 BW. Termination is regulated under Article 1:84 BW on grounds such as:

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

The fast track via the Municipality of Amsterdam applies if there are no children and agreement on finances. Otherwise, via the Amsterdam District Court, similar to divorces. More information on registered partnerships in our other article.

Termination Options in Amsterdam

Two options for terminating a registered partnership in the Amsterdam region:

Mutual Dissolution at the Civil Registry

Since the Simplification of Divorce Law Act (2018), an affordable option. Conditions:

• Full agreement between partners;
• No joint minors;
• No disputes over asset division.

Steps in Amsterdam:

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

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

Dissolution via the Amsterdam District Court

In cases of children, conflicts, or objections: file a request with the Amsterdam District Court (Art. 1:85 BW). Similar to divorce:

1. Lawyer prepares the request (mandatory).
2. Court reviews and schedules a hearing (often at Piet Heinkade).
3. Agreement: ruling within months. Conflict: 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 BW). Standard community of property, unless limited. In practice for Amsterdam:

• Home: Sale or mortgage transfer to one partner.
• Pension: Division by the fund, as in divorce.
• Debts: Equal split, or otherwise via settlement agreement.

Draw up a settlement agreement. In disputes: Amsterdam District Court decides.

Impact on Children

With minors, the Amsterdam District Court approves the care arrangements and child support (Art. 1:251, 1:404 BW). Parents remain equally responsible, e.g., co-parenting with fixed contact.

Comparison with Divorce

Details on divorce elsewhere.

Amsterdam Examples

• Example 1: Anna and Bob from the Jordaan, childless, draw up settlement agreement and go to Municipality of Amsterdam. Single after 3 weeks, €100 total.
• Example 2: Karel and Lisa from Oud-Zuid with a 5-year-old child, dispute over money. Lawyer to Amsterdam District Court: €250/month support after hearing.
• Example 3: Upon death: automatically terminated, estate via inheritance law.

Rights and Obligations

Rights: Partner spousal support (3 years, Art. 1:157 BW), pension claim, benefits.

Obligations: Transparency, comply with settlement agreement, child support.

Afterwards: no inheritance rights, but ongoing agreements.

Tips for Amsterdam Residents

• Try mediation for agreement (€100-€200/hour).
• Notarial settlement agreement for security.
• Check mortgage, benefits, and allowances, e.g., via Municipality of Amsterdam.
• Free advice at Juridisch Loket Amsterdam or specialized lawyers.
• Keep proof: bills, valuations.