How not to be left with nothing in a civil marriage

In a civil marriage, a couple also lives as one family, but does not consider it necessary to officially formalize the relationship. At the same time, they buy movable and immovable property together, for which they pay together or separately.

But how to avoid misunderstandings in the event of a breakup? Answers the head of litigation practice of the law company “DE-JURE”, lawyer Yuriy Kostinyuk.

According to the Family Code of Ukraine, property that a couple living in a civil marriage acquired during cohabitation belongs to them by right of joint ownership, unless otherwise established by a written agreement between them.

Accordingly, in order to protect their interests upon termination of the relationship, the couple needs to conclude and notarize an agreement in advance, where the source of funds, the size of each partner’s share in the property and the procedure for using and disposing of the property are specified.

Measures to prevent future claims include:

• receiving property as a gift from one of the partners;
• registering it in the name of close relatives;
• avoiding joint accounts;
• minimizing the evidence base for the other partner to confirm marital relations (photo and video recordings of joint life, trips, etc.).

To protect your property rights during separation, contact “DE-JURE” – we have both specialists and experience.