When a relationship is based on true love, it can seem almost unacceptable to think about entering into a marriage contract . However, life is life. And it tends to surprise. Signing a marriage contract is a rational step, which will save you nerves in situations of unforeseen circumstances and risk.

We summarize the essentials about the marriage contract:

• The marriage contract is signed at a sworn notary , both spouses must appear in person;

• A marriage contract is concluded by legally married persons with legal capacity. A marriage contract can be concluded both before and immediately after the wedding, as well as at any other time during the marriage. If you conclude it before the wedding, it will come into force only with the conclusion of the marriage ;

• One of the most frequent reasons when it is worth concluding a marriage contract - if significant credit obligations are planned for cohabitation . A signed contract, which spells out the conditions for property (apartment, house) ownership, will make the divorce process much easier if life allows such a step. Legal proceedings in which it is discussed who is or is not entitled to the property can last for several years; in addition, this way you will also avoid the costs of legal services;

• Similarly, the marriage contract can play a significant role if one of the spouses does not work for a wage, but raises children - in case of divorce it will be difficult to prove the material contribution to the family's well-being;

• If an agreement on the separation of property is concluded - this means that after the divorce, each individually purchased property/property remains with the person in whose name it was purchased, the partner cannot claim it. Another benefit - if the spouse incurs debts during their cohabitation, which have arisen in their own interests, or in the interests of the family or the joint household, they are responsible for their own debts. Thus, the property of the other spouse is protected from creditors ;

• In case of separation of property after divorce, each of the parents is obliged to support the children to the extent of their property;

• If an agreement is concluded on joint property - everything, both acquired before marriage and provided for during marriage, belongs to both spouses. Then you have to agree on how the property will be divided - either in equal parts, or for one of the spouses to have a larger share. If you enter into a joint property agreement, you must also agree on who will be the manager of the property. It can be both;

• A marriage contract can be concluded for inheritance in case one of the spouses dies during cohabitation;

• After concluding the contract at the notary, the following documents must be submitted to the Enterprise Register -

• Application form (found on the website of the Register of Enterprises ur.gov.lv);
• Marriage contract in 3 copies;
• A copy of a marriage certificate issued, translated and notarized abroad, if you are married abroad;
• Notarial power of attorney, if the application is signed by another person;
• Receipt or its copy, or a printout of an online bank payment, or information on the payment of state duty.

• It is recommended not to look for a sample marriage contract on Internet resources, but to consult a professional. You can get advice from a notary , but if you wish - you can additionally use the advice of a qualified lawyer or attorney to draw up a contract.

Author of the article: IEVA KRASTIņA