The Undertrouw Procedure in Den Haag
The undertrouw procedure is the official announcement of a planned marriage at the civil registry in the Netherlands, with specific focus on residents of Den Haag. It is the essential first step to legally formalize a marriage and ensures a thorough review of documents and personal details. This process, outlined in the Civil Code, helps couples in the Den Haag area avoid complications. In this article, we cover the steps, requirements, and local tips, building on our overview of Undertrouw - Notice of Intended Marriage. For advice, contact the Legal Aid Office in Den Haag.
What Does the Undertrouw Procedure in Den Haag Mean?
The undertrouw procedure, also known as the undertrouw declaration, is when a couple (or their representative) informs the Municipality of Den Haag about their marriage plans. This takes place with the civil registrar (ABS) at the city hall on Spui. Here, identities, eligibility, and potential obstacles are verified, such as an existing marriage or family ties. Upon approval, you receive a certificate of undertrouw, which is essential for the wedding ceremony in Den Haag or elsewhere.
This process is indispensable because, in the Netherlands, a marriage is only legally valid if performed by a civil registrar. Without undertrouw, the ceremony cannot proceed. In Den Haag, it typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the completeness of your documents and the municipality's workload.
Legal Basis of the Undertrouw Procedure
The undertrouw procedure is governed by Book 1 of the Civil Code (BW), articles 30 to 44. Article 30 of the Civil Code requires a formal notice for every marriage to ensure its voluntary and legal nature, which is particularly relevant for international couples in multicultural Den Haag.
- Article 31 BW: Specifies who may submit the notice – one partner, both, or an authorized representative, such as a family member with power of attorney.
- Article 32 BW: Lists the required documents, including birth certificates and IDs.
- Article 33 BW: Addresses impediments, such as an existing marriage (Article 40 BW prohibits bigamy).
- Article 44 BW: States that the undertrouw certificate is valid for up to six months from issuance for the ceremony.
The Civil Registration Act (Wbs), Article 1:3, defines the role of the civil registrar. For marriages with an international aspect, common in Den Haag due to its proximity to embassies, rules from the Vienna Convention on Matrimonial Law or EU Regulation (EU) 2016/1103 on property regimes apply. The Den Haag District Court handles related matters, such as divorces that could affect the procedure. Municipalities follow national guidelines from the Ministry of Justice and Security, but Den Haag has local adjustments for expatriates.
Steps in the Undertrouw Procedure for Den Haag
The procedure follows a structured process. Here is an overview with tips for Den Haag residents.
- Schedule an appointment: Call or book online via the Municipality of Den Haag website, where the marriage will take place (not always your place of residence). In Den Haag, you can often reserve 3-5 weeks in advance, given the popularity of locations like the Peace Palace area.
- Prepare documents: Gather passports or ID cards, birth extracts, and proof of divorce. For non-Dutch nationals: include legalizations and apostilles, available through the Den Haag District Court.
- Submit the notice: Attend the appointment with your partner (or representative). The civil registrar in Den Haag will review everything and confirm voluntariness; expect 30-45 minutes.
- Verification and announcement: The municipality posts a public notice (often for 14 days) to allow for any objections (Article 34 BW). For example, if a former partner files a dispute through the Den Haag District Court regarding alimony, it could delay proceedings.
- Receive the certificate: After verification, you get the certificate for the ceremony. Fees: around €12-€18, plus additional charges from the Municipality of Den Haag.
A similar approach applies to registered partnerships under Article 1:80 BW.
Rights and Obligations in Undertrouw in Den Haag
Future spouses in Den Haag have clear rights and obligations.
- Rights: Options for privacy (no public announcement if chosen), the right to an interpreter if language is a barrier (Article 35 BW), and access to the certificate. You can select a personal civil registrar for the ceremony in Den Haag.
- Obligations: Provide accurate information (falsification is punishable under Article 225 of the Criminal Code). Disclose any impediments, such as debts; for international cases, legalize documents. The Legal Aid Office in Den Haag offers free assistance.
Example: A Dutch-Moroccan couple in Den Haag must arrange apostilles for Moroccan documents. Without them, the procedure halts, delaying the wedding day.
Practical Tips and Pitfalls in Den Haag
Take Anna and Bob, Dutch residents of Den Haag planning to marry at city hall. They schedule an appointment with the Municipality of Den Haag and bring their IDs and certificates. The civil registrar notes that Bob is still in a divorce proceeding at the Den Haag District Court – the undertrouw is paused until the divorce is finalized (Article 41 BW). After completion, they restart the process, with help from the Legal Aid Office in Den Haag to expedite documents. Pitfall: Remember to book early, as Den Haag's registrars are busy with diplomatic marriages.
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.