Separation from Bed and Board Procedure in Den Haag
The separation from bed and board procedure provides residents of Den Haag with a legal option under Dutch family law to live separately without immediately dissolving the marriage. The marriage remains formally intact, while partners stop living together and dissolve their shared household. This is a popular choice in Den Haag for couples with religious, financial, or personal reasons. In this article, we highlight the procedure, legal foundations, and local practices, building on our overview of separation from bed and board, with specific focus on the Den Haag District Court.
Legal Basis
The separation from bed and board is outlined in the Dutch Civil Code (BW), particularly in Book 1, Title 6. Key provisions include Article 135 BW for the definition and conditions, and Article 157 BW for the procedure. Unlike divorce, which dissolves the marriage (Article 150 BW and following), this option maintains the marital status, affecting inheritance rights and social benefits in the Den Haag area.
In Den Haag, the petition must be filed with the Den Haag District Court. The judge verifies conditions such as a permanently disrupted relationship (Article 135(1) BW). Mediation is not mandatory, but the Den Haag District Court often recommends it through local services like the Juridisch Loket Den Haag. Following the ruling, a six-month reflection period begins, similar to divorces (Article 157(3) BW).
The Procedure Step by Step
For residents of Den Haag, the separation from bed and board procedure proceeds through the Den Haag District Court in a clear sequence of steps. Here is a locally adapted overview:
- Preparation and Local Advice: Consult a family law attorney in Den Haag or the Juridisch Loket Den Haag for free initial guidance. Discuss reasons, child arrangements, alimony, and asset division to avoid complications, especially in a busy city like Den Haag.
- Filing the Petition: One or both partners submit the petition to the Den Haag District Court, within the Den Haag district. The document outlines the facts, such as relationship issues, and specifies any children or assets (Article 157 BW). The Municipality of Den Haag can assist with address changes.
- Hearing: The Den Haag District Court schedules a hearing within weeks. Parties are heard; if agreed, a decision follows immediately. If disputed, a session may occur, possibly with witnesses or local experts.
- Ruling and Registration: If approved, the separation is registered in the Den Haag civil registry. The six-month reflection period allows time for reconciliation or conversion to divorce.
- Arrangements: Simultaneously, agreements on household items, alimony, and child support are made, often in a settlement agreement that the court approves. Local notaries in Den Haag can assist with this.
The procedure typically takes 3 to 6 months in Den Haag, depending on the case. Costs range from €1,000 to €5,000, including court fees of €700 and local attorney fees.
Practical Examples from Den Haag
Consider Maria and Pieter, married for 12 years with two children in the Schilderswijk. Due to ongoing conflicts, they opt for separation from bed and board because of Maria's religious background. Maria moves to a home in the Binckhorst and files the petition with the Den Haag District Court. The judge approves a settlement with alimony from Pieter and a co-parenting arrangement. They now live separately but remain married for inheritance purposes.
Or take Sophie and Tom, without children but with a shared home in Segbroek. They use the procedure to take time for financial disentanglement through a Den Haag notary. A year later, they convert to divorce, supported by their prior agreements.
These Den Haag cases illustrate the flexibility but emphasize the importance of open communication in an urban setting.
Rights and Obligations
During and after the separation from bed and board procedure in Den Haag, specific rights and obligations apply:
- Rights: Right to spousal support if there's an income disparity (Article 160 BW). Parents retain joint custody of children (Article 251 BW). The marriage persists, so inheritance rights in Den Haag remain intact.
- Obligations: Uphold marital conditions such as fidelity and support. One partner gains exclusive use of the home (Article 136 BW). Parties must cooperate and prioritize children's well-being, with help from local services.
Crucially: Remarriage requires conversion to divorce (Article 135(4) BW), which is handled through the Den Haag District Court.
Differences with Divorce
From a Den Haag perspective, we compare the separation from bed and board procedure with divorce in this table:
| Aspect | Separation from Bed and Board | Divorce |
|---|---|---|
| Marital Status | Remains intact | Is dissolved |
| Procedure Duration | 3-6 months | 6-12 months |
| Remarriage Possible | No | Yes |
| Inheritance Rights | Remain intact | Change |
| Alimony | May be lifelong | Limited in duration |
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.