Property settlements
Financial matters
A long-term relationship is more than an emotional bond - it is an economic partnership that carries significant financial implications. Whether you are married or living in a de facto relationship, these consequences affect your future. Under Hungarian law, a statutory property regime applies by default specifically to marriages. This means that for married couples, without a specific agreement, the general rules of the Civil Code will automatically govern the joint and separate assets from the moment of the marriage. However, you have the power to shape your own financial future. Hungarian law fully recognizes both pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, allowing you to customize your property relations. By planning proactively, you can safeguard your valuable assets and guarantee your family’s long-term financial security.
Hungarian civil law is built on the principle of contractual freedom, a right that extends to family law matters. This ensures you have the legal autonomy to shape your private affairs and financial relations according to your specific needs. From deciding to enter into marriage to customizing how your assets are managed, the law gives you the power to choose the legal frameworks that best protect your life situations.
To make informed decisions, it is important to have access to accurate, relevant information. You need to know the distinction between the legal status of spouses, civil partners/de facto relationship and registered partners.
Upon entering into a marriage or a registered partnership, both parties agree to split any assets acquired during the marriage/partnership, whether jointly or individually. Should you wish to deviate from the aforementioned statutory property regime, you may do so by entering into a (prenuptial) agreement, which shall be legally binding in Hungary.
In contrast, de facto partners are not entitled to joint property in equal shares. To prevent uncertainty, a formal cohabitation agreement is highly recommended, providing unmarried partners with the same financial security and peace of mind.