Thursday 20 June 2013

Simplifying property law for international couples

A year and a half ago we mentioned the plans of the European Commission to simplify rules on matrimonial property for international couples (No more hiding money while filing for a divorce?). This would allow international couples to avoid excessive costs and uncertainty in case of a divorce, since they would know up front what to expect with regards to splitting their estate - which court would have jurisdiction, what laws would apply etc. Today, the European Parliament's Committee on Legal Affairs voted fully in favour of this regulation, but it still needs approval by the Council to become law. (Commission welcomes progress on proposals to clarify property rights for international couples)