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A Prenuptial Agreement (huwelijkscontract in Dutch, contrat de mariage in French) is a legally binding contract that future spouses sign before getting married in Belgium. It lets couples set clear rules about how they'll handle their property, finances, and assets both during marriage and if they later separate.

Under Belgian civil law, these agreements must be signed before a notary and can specify different property arrangements - from keeping everything separate to sharing specific assets. The contract also helps protect family businesses, inheritance rights, and pre-existing wealth. Unlike some countries, Belgian prenups focus mainly on financial matters and can't include personal obligations or behavior conditions.

A Prenuptial Agreement becomes essential when significant assets or financial interests need protection before marriage in Belgium. This includes situations where one partner owns a business, expects a substantial inheritance, or brings considerable wealth into the marriage. It's particularly valuable for entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals with established careers.

The agreement must be finalized before the wedding ceremony - Belgian law requires signing it with a notary at least 10 days before marriage. Common triggers include protecting family businesses from division, safeguarding inherited property, or maintaining separate ownership of real estate. It's also crucial when one partner has children from a previous marriage or significant debt obligations.

• Simple Prenuptial Agreement: Basic version covering standard property division and financial arrangements, ideal for couples with straightforward assets
• Pre Marriage Agreement: Comprehensive contract detailing complex asset protection, business interests, and inheritance rights before marriage
• Nuptial Agreement: More flexible format allowing detailed specifications about property regime choices under Belgian law
• Post Nup Agreement: Modified agreement for couples wanting to change their property arrangements after marriage
• Post Prenup Agreement: Specialized version for updating existing prenuptial terms during marriage with notarial approval

• Future Spouses: The primary parties who negotiate and sign the Prenuptial Agreement, defining how they want to handle their assets and finances
• Notaries: Required by Belgian law to draft, validate, and register the agreement, ensuring it meets legal requirements
• Family Law Attorneys: Often advise each spouse separately on their rights and obligations before signing
• Financial Advisors: Help assess and structure complex asset arrangements, especially for business owners or high-net-worth individuals
• Business Valuators: Provide professional assessments of company assets when business interests are involved
• Family Members: May be affected by inheritance provisions or family business protections outlined in the agreement

• Asset Inventory: Create detailed lists of all properties, investments, businesses, and debts each partner owns
• Financial Documents: Gather bank statements, property deeds, business valuations, and investment portfolios
• Property Regime: Choose between Belgian legal options for property management during marriage
• Future Planning: Document expectations about inheritance rights, business ownership, and asset division
• Timeline Management: Schedule notary appointments at least 10 days before the wedding date
• Digital Documentation: Use our platform to generate a legally compliant draft that includes all required elements
• Translation Needs: Arrange for official translations if partners speak different Belgian national languages

• Identity Details: Full legal names, addresses, and civil status of both future spouses
• Property Regime Choice: Clear specification of the chosen Belgian matrimonial property system
• Asset Inventory: Detailed list of each partner's current assets, properties, and debts
• Distribution Rules: Specific arrangements for handling joint and separate property
• Business Provisions: Terms protecting business interests and professional activities
• Inheritance Clauses: Arrangements regarding inheritance rights and family assets
• Notarial Declaration: Official notary validation and registration details
• Language Compliance: Agreement in the official language(s) of the relevant Belgian region

A Prenuptial Agreement differs significantly from a Cohabitation Agreement in Belgian law, though both deal with relationship property rights. While prenups specifically address marital assets and take effect upon marriage, cohabitation agreements govern unmarried couples living together.

• Legal Framework: Prenuptial agreements must follow strict Belgian Civil Code requirements and require notarial authentication, while cohabitation agreements have more flexible formatting options
• Timing and Duration: Prenups must be signed before marriage and last until divorce or death, whereas cohabitation agreements can start anytime and end when partners separate
• Property Rights: Prenups can modify the default matrimonial property regime, while cohabitation agreements primarily focus on day-to-day living arrangements and shared expenses
• Inheritance Impact: Prenups can affect inheritance rights between spouses, but cohabitation agreements cannot create inheritance rights for partners