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A Prenuptial Agreement (huwelijkse voorwaarden) is a legal contract that couples in the Netherlands sign before getting married to arrange how they'll handle their assets and finances during marriage and after a potential divorce. It lets partners keep their property separate instead of following the Dutch law's standard rules about sharing everything.

Dutch couples often use these agreements to protect business assets, inheritance rights, or existing wealth. Since 2018, when Dutch marriage laws changed, prenups have become even more important for couples who want to customize their financial arrangements beyond the limited community of property system. The agreement must be drawn up by a notary to be legally valid.

Consider a Prenuptial Agreement when you and your partner have different financial situations or want to protect specific assets before marriage. This is especially important for business owners, entrepreneurs, or those expecting significant inheritance in the Netherlands, as it helps maintain clear separation of pre-marriage wealth.

The agreement proves particularly valuable for international couples, those entering second marriages with existing assets, or partners who want to deviate from Dutch community property laws. Getting a prenup is essential before the wedding - Dutch law requires signing it with a notary before the marriage ceremony. Once married, you can only make changes through a postnuptial agreement.

• Pre Marriage Agreement: Standard prenup signed before marriage, establishing clear financial boundaries and asset division rules
• Prenuptial Agreement Contract: Comprehensive version including detailed provisions for business assets and future inheritance
• Post Prenuptial Agreement: Modified agreement made after marriage to adjust financial arrangements
• Post Nup Agreement: Simplified post-marriage contract focusing on basic asset division and debt responsibilities
• Prenup Agreement After Marriage: Specialized agreement for couples wanting to change their matrimonial property regime after wedding

• Engaged Couples: The primary parties who initiate and sign the Prenuptial Agreement, typically those with significant assets, businesses, or inheritance expectations
• Dutch Notaries: Required by law to draft and authenticate the agreement, ensuring it meets legal requirements and both parties understand the terms
• Financial Advisors: Help couples assess their assets and recommend specific provisions for wealth protection
• Family Law Attorneys: Provide legal advice to each party separately, ensuring fair representation and understanding
• Business Valuators: Often needed to assess company assets when one or both partners own businesses

• Asset Inventory: Make detailed lists of all property, investments, debts, and business interests for both partners
• Financial Documents: Gather bank statements, property deeds, business valuations, and inheritance expectations
• Agreement Goals: Clearly outline what each partner wants to protect and how future assets will be handled
• Notary Appointment: Schedule with a Dutch notary at least one month before the wedding date
• Legal Requirements: Ensure both partners receive independent legal advice before signing
• Timeline Planning: Complete all drafting and reviews at least two weeks before the wedding, as Dutch law requires signing before marriage

• Identity Details: Full names, addresses, and personal information of both partners
• Asset Division: Clear specification of which assets remain separate and which become shared property
• Debt Arrangements: How existing and future debts will be handled during marriage and after potential divorce
• Income Management: Rules for handling salaries, business profits, and pension rights
• Inheritance Rights: Provisions for handling inherited assets and future expectations
• Property Registration: Details of real estate and valuable possessions owned by each party
• Notarial Declaration: Statement confirming both parties understand the agreement's implications

A Prenuptial Agreement differs significantly from a Asset Purchase Agreement, though both deal with property rights. While prenups focus on personal relationship assets, Asset Purchase Agreements handle business transactions between unrelated parties.

• Timing and Duration: Prenups must be signed before marriage and last indefinitely, while Asset Purchase Agreements cover a single transaction with a clear completion date
• Legal Requirements: Prenups require notarial execution and independent legal advice for both parties; Asset Purchase Agreements need only standard contract formalities
• Scope of Protection: Prenups cover future assets, inheritance, and ongoing financial arrangements; Asset Purchase Agreements focus solely on specific business assets being transferred
• Modification Rules: Prenups can only be changed through formal postnuptial agreements, while Asset Purchase Agreements can be amended through standard contract procedures