What is a “matrimonial regime”?

When we talk about marriage, two things must be distinguished: the civil union on the one hand, and the couple's property relationship on the other.

The civil union takes place at the town hall and brings about the automatic application of the rules of the Civil Code, in particular the obligation to live together, the mutual duties of respect, fidelity, support and assistance, the moral and material running of the family, and shared parental authority.

The matrimonial regime, for its part, sets the rules governing the spouses' relationship regarding their assets: savings and investments, property, debts, family assets received by gift or inheritance, etc.

For example, it is the matrimonial regime that tells you who owns an asset acquired during the marriage: one spouse alone, or both spouses in common? It is also the matrimonial regime that determines what happens to the assets, and how they are divided, when the marriage ends, through divorce or death.

Before your marriage (ideally) or during it, consult your notaire!