Dutch MPs want prenuptial agreements standard in new marriages

A majority in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament, wants to change the marriage law so that prenuptial agreements are standard practice in new marriages, broadcaster NOS reports. The PvdA, D66 and VVD submitted a legislative proposal which will make a limited community of property the new standard. That means that things a couple owned before their wedding, gifts and inheritance will remain private assets. Should a couple still want to get married in community of property, they will have to arrange this with a notary, like is currently the case with prenuptial agreements. VVD parliamentarian Foort van Oosten believes that this change will prevent a lot of problems at divorce. "It is a principle, what you saved before your marriage, you worked for yourself. That is also yours. And so it should be up to you whether you think it also belongs to your partner through marriage." he said to the broadcaster. The Tweede Kamer will discuss this legislative proposal on Wednesday.