Divorce and the Marital Home: Who Gets to Stay?

The marital home is often the most valuable asset for many couples. During a divorce, the question of who gets to stay becomes one of the most contentious topics. In the Netherlands, there are clear legal rules about the use and division of the marital home, but practice is often more complex than theory. Whether the home is jointly owned, in one partner's name, or rented, the rules differ each time.

Continued use of the marital home (Article 1:165 BW)

Under Article 1:165 of the Dutch Civil Code, the court can grant one spouse continued use of the marital home for up to six months after the divorce is registered. This applies regardless of who owns the property. The court considers the children's interests, the financial capabilities of both partners, and their respective housing situations. In practice, continued use is often granted to the parent with whom the children primarily reside.

Joint property in community of property

If you married in community of property (Article 1:94 BW), the home is jointly owned. There are three options: one partner buys out the other, the home is sold and proceeds split, or the property temporarily remains undivided. The mortgage is a complex aspect: both partners remain jointly liable until one is released from the mortgage, which requires bank approval. A specialized divorce attorney can guide you through this process.

Rental property during divorce

For rental properties, different rules apply. Under Article 7:266 BW, both spouses are co-tenants regardless of whose name is on the lease. The court can assign tenancy to one partner. For social housing, losing tenancy rights can have significant consequences due to long waiting lists. Practical advice: have the property appraised early, consult your mortgage advisor, and take time for this emotionally charged decision.

Frequently asked questions

Wie bepaalt wie er in de woning mag blijven bij scheiding?

De rechter bepaalt dit op basis van het belang van de kinderen, de financiele mogelijkheden van beide partners en hun woonsituatie. Via een voorlopige voorziening (art. 822 Rv) kan dit al tijdens de procedure worden geregeld, en via art. 1:165 BW voor maximaal zes maanden na de scheiding.

Moet ik de overwaarde delen als het huis op mijn naam staat?

Dat hangt af van uw huwelijksgoederenregime. Bij gemeenschap van goederen is de woning gezamenlijk eigendom en moet de overwaarde worden gedeeld. Bij huwelijkse voorwaarden behoort de woning in beginsel tot het privevermogen, maar de ander kan een vergoedingsrecht hebben op grond van art. 1:87 BW.

Kan ik uit de hypotheek worden ontslagen na scheiding?

Ja, maar de bank moet hiervoor toestemming geven. De bank beoordeelt of de overblijvende partner de hypotheeklasten alleen kan dragen. Zolang u niet bent ontslagen, blijft u hoofdelijk aansprakelijk voor de volledige hypotheekschuld.