Part VI The Law of Property, 37 Matrimonial Property

Subject(s):

Marriage — Immovables — Matrimonial property — Movables

This chapter examines the legal regime governing matrimonial property, and more specifically the rights of a husband and wife in the movable and immovable property which either of them may possess at the time of marriage or may acquire afterwards. It first considers the general rule on assignment where there is an ante-nuptial contract as well as the assignment where is no ante-nuptial contract, focusing in particular on the application of matrimonial domicile in the case of movables and the effect of marriage on the spouses' immovables in the absence of a marriage contract. It then discusses the question of property rights arising from civil partnership and cohabitation, citing the relevant provisions of the Civil Partnership Act 2004, and concludes with an overview of European proposals for legal reform with respect to jurisdiction, applicable law and the recognition and enforcement of decisions in matters of matrimonial property regimes.