Negotiating the separate property regime before and during divorce

Divorce is a challenging period not only emotionally but also legally. One of the most critical issues to address before a divorce is the property relations between spouses. Negotiating a separate property regime can be an effective solution to avoid property disputes. This article focuses on the legal regulation of separate property in the Czech Republic and provides practical advice on how to negotiate this regime.

What is a Separate Property Regime?

A separate property regime means that each spouse manages their property independently and is individually liable for their debts. This regime can be agreed upon before or during the marriage through a notarial deed. The aim is to protect each spouse's property and avoid conflicts in the division of property in the event of a divorce.

Legal Framework in the Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, the legal regulation of property relations between spouses is enshrined in the Civil Code. The separate property regime is specified in Section 730 and subsequent sections. The notarial deed establishing this regime usually contains a precise description of the assets and liabilities of each spouse.

Procedure for Negotiating the Separate Property Regime

1. Consult a legal expert: The first step is to consult a lawyer specializing in family law, who will explain all the legal aspects and implications of this step.
2. Document preparation: Together with the lawyer, prepare all the necessary documentation, including descriptions of assets and liabilities.
3. Notarial deed: This is followed by a visit to a notary who will draft the notarial deed to negotiate the separate property regime. This deed must be signed by both spouses.
4. Registration: The notarial deed is then registered in the central register of marital property agreements.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Separate Property Regime

Advantages:

• Protection of assets: Each spouse protects their assets from the potential debts of the other spouse.
• Clear division of assets: In the event of a divorce, assets are clearly divided, preventing disputes over their division.
• Suspension of community property (SJM) during divorce proceedings: The separate property regime allows for the cessation of the creation of community property, which can be particularly advantageous in cases where divorce proceedings drag on for a long time. This step avoids further property complications and disputes over newly acquired assets during the proceedings.

Disadvantages:

• Administrative complexity: The process of negotiating and registering the regime is administratively demanding and can be time-consuming.
• Financial costs: The services of a notary and a lawyer involve some financial costs.

Conclusion

Negotiating a separate property regime before and during divorce proceedings is an effective tool to protect the property interests of each spouse. This step requires careful legal advice and administrative procedures but can prevent many complications in the future. If you are considering this step, we recommend consulting a family law specialist for the information and assistance you need.

Looking for help setting up a separate property regime? Don't hesitate to contact us – we are here for you! Email or call us.

Responsible Attorney: Mgr. Vendula Růžková, LL.M., MBA, Lucie Kaufmanová contributed to this article.