Document background
The Legally Binding Relationship Contract serves as a crucial legal instrument in the Netherlands for couples who choose to cohabitate without entering into marriage or registered partnership. This document becomes particularly relevant when partners want to establish clear legal frameworks around their relationship while maintaining individual autonomy. It addresses key aspects such as property ownership, financial responsibilities, inheritance rights, and mutual obligations. The contract must be executed before a Dutch civil law notary to ensure its legal validity and enforceability. Common scenarios for its use include couples purchasing property together, sharing significant assets, planning for future financial commitments, or seeking to establish clear inheritance arrangements. The document aligns with Dutch civil code requirements and provides important legal protections that are not automatically granted to unmarried cohabiting couples under Dutch law.
