Conditions for Registered Partnership in Den Haag
A registered partnership creates a legal bond between two individuals, with rights and obligations that closely resemble those of a marriage, but without any religious or ceremonial elements. The law imposes strict requirements to ensure this commitment is voluntary and legally valid. In this article, we highlight the requirements, the process, and the implications, specifically tailored for residents of Den Haag, so you as a resident can be fully informed about this family law option.
What does a registered partnership entail?
The registered partnership (RP) was introduced in the Netherlands in 1998 as an alternative to marriage, initially for same-sex partners to provide them with legal security. Since 2001, it has also been available for opposite-sex partners. It covers aspects such as inheritance rights, asset division, and alimony, and can later be converted into a marriage or dissolved through the Den Haag District Court. Unlike a simple cohabitation agreement, a RP offers immediate legal protection without the need for a notarial deed for standard rules.
The essence of this partnership is equality: both partners have the same rights and obligations as in a marriage. This makes it ideal for couples in Den Haag who want to formalize their relationship without traditional rituals. For more details on the partnership, refer to our article on Registered Partnership. In Den Haag, you can visit the Legal Aid Office in Den Haag for free advice.
Legal basis of the conditions
The provisions for registered partnership are outlined in Book 1 of the Civil Code (BW), particularly in articles 80 through 90. Article 1:80 BW defines it as an exclusive, mutual bond between two persons for an indefinite period. These rules prevent abuse and ensure voluntariness.
Relevant legal articles include:
- Article 1:81 BW: Partners must be of legal age (18 years or older) or have been previously married, and not under guardianship.
- Article 1:82 BW: No existing marriage or partnership, and no blood or affinity relations in the direct line or up to the second degree.
- Article 1:83 BW: One partner must hold Dutch nationality or reside in the Netherlands; registration occurs through the civil registrar, in Den Haag via the Municipality of Den Haag.
These provisions ensure that only eligible individuals without conflicting relationships can enter into a partnership. Recent legal amendments promote inclusion, such as the prohibition on discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation (Constitution, Article 1).
Specific conditions for registration in Den Haag
For entering into a registered partnership in Den Haag, specific personal, relational, and procedural requirements must be met at the Municipality of Den Haag.
Personal requirements
- Age and capacity: Both partners must be 18 years or older. For minors, court approval is required in cases of emancipation (Article 1:81 paragraph 2 BW). Individuals under protective supervision or guardianship are excluded, except with permission from the cantonal judge at the Den Haag District Court.
- Nationality and residence: Nationality is not required, but registration must take place in the Netherlands. Foreign partners must have legal residence in the Netherlands; EU citizens benefit from free movement (Directive 2004/38/EC).
Relational requirements
- No current marriage or partnership: Verification through the Basic Registration of Persons (BRP) is mandatory.
- No family ties: No relations in the direct line (such as parent-child) or up to the second degree (siblings, aunts/uncles).
- Voluntariness: Personal declarations from both partners are needed to rule out coercion.
Procedural requirements
Registration takes place at the civil registry of the Municipality of Den Haag, where you book an appointment. Submit the following documents:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Valid identification | Passport or ID card for both partners. |
| Birth certificates | Extracts not older than 6 months. |
| Declaration of no impediment | Form confirming the conditions (Article 1:84 BW). |
| Foreign documents | Legalized and translated versions if necessary. |
The ceremony is straightforward: the civil registrar reads the declaration, and the partners sign. Witnesses are not required but can be included for a personal touch. Costs range from €100-200, depending on additional services from the Municipality of Den Haag.
Practical examples for Den Haag
Take Anna (28, Dutch) and Bob (30, Belgian), who live together in the Centrum neighborhood in Den Haag and want to formalize their relationship. They check their situation: no prior marriages, no family ties. At the civil registry of the Municipality of Den Haag, they book an appointment, present their IDs and birth certificates, and complete the partnership. As a result, they now share assets and inheritance rights, which is not the case with informal cohabitation.
Another case: Two sisters in Den Haag consider a partnership for emotional and financial reasons, but this is prohibited due to close family ties (Article 1:82 BW). They are advised by the Legal Aid Office in Den Haag to explore alternatives like a cohabitation agreement.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.