{"id":24968,"date":"2024-08-25T13:22:08","date_gmt":"2024-08-25T12:22:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/divorce\/divorce-table-and-bed\/"},"modified":"2026-04-19T14:01:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T13:01:02","slug":"divorce-table-and-bed","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/divorce-table-and-bed\/","title":{"rendered":"Legal separation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"s-section\">\n<div class=\"s-section-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"s-grid-toc_main gb-element-94926826\">\n<div class=\"s-section-sidebar\">\n<div class=\"s-sidebar-block-toc gb-element-bf14a539\">\n<p class=\"gb-text\">On this page<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/divorce-table-and-bed\/#What_is_legal_separation\" >What is legal separation?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/divorce-table-and-bed\/#Why_do_partners_choose_legal_separation\" >Why do partners choose legal separation?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/divorce-table-and-bed\/#What_are_the_consequences_of_legal_separation\" >What are the consequences of legal separation?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/divorce-table-and-bed\/#How_does_the_procedure_work\" >How does the procedure work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/divorce-table-and-bed\/#International_situations\" >International situations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/divorce-table-and-bed\/#What_are_the_options_thereafter\" >What are the options thereafter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/divorce-table-and-bed\/#Based_on_Real_Cases\" >Based on Real Cases<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/divorce-table-and-bed\/#Our_Attorneys_at_Law\" >Our Attorneys at Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/divorce-table-and-bed\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/divorce-table-and-bed\/#Trust_and_quality\" >Trust and quality<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/divorce-table-and-bed\/#Are_you_considering_a_legal_separation\" >Are you considering a legal separation?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-section-main s-stack-2xl gb-element-6c76d265\">\n<div class=\"s-content-block s-content-block--filled gb-element-15683c21 block-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"s-content-block-narrow\">\n<p class=\"gb-text gb-text-91da06c0\">In brief<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Legal separation is a legal measure where partners live separately and the community of property is dissolved, but the marriage formally continues to exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>With a legal separation, you remain legally married, but you are no longer fiscal partners and the assets are divided.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The procedure takes place through the court and requires a lawyer and a settlement agreement, just as with a full divorce.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the case of minor children, a parenting plan is mandatory, and agreements regarding custody, residence, and child support must be established.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A legal separation can be converted into a final divorce, but only after at least three years of legal separation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Depending on the circumstances, legal separation is not possible for a registered partnership, only for a marriage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_legal_separation\"><\/span>What is legal separation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Legal separation is a legal measure where partners remain married by law but live separately. The community of property is dissolved and partners are no longer fiscal partners. All assets are divided, but the marriage itself formally remains in effect.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This distinguishes legal separation from a <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/divorce\/\">divorce<\/a>, where the marriage is fully dissolved and registered in the civil status records. In a legal separation, only a notation is made in the matrimonial property register. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Legal separation is only possible for married partners. This route does not exist for a <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/dissolve-registered-partnership\/\">registered partnership<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_partners_choose_legal_separation\"><\/span>Why do partners choose legal separation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several reasons to choose this route:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Religious or ideological considerations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some religions or beliefs prohibit divorce. Legal separation makes it possible to live separately while the marriage formally remains intact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Financial independence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Partners who wish to be financially independent of each other but do not want a final divorce can dissolve the community of property through legal separation. After that, they are no longer liable for each other&#8217;s new debts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Doubt about the separation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Legal separation is easier to reverse than a divorce. Partners who have doubts about a final divorce can choose this route as an intermediate step. Furthermore, in the Netherlands, it is no longer mandatory to live together if you are married, making living apart possible without a legal step.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_consequences_of_legal_separation\"><\/span>What are the consequences of legal separation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Assets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/assets\/\">community of property is dissolved<\/a>. All assets and debts are divided. Partners are then no longer liable for each other&#8217;s new debts and each has their own assets. If you were married in community of property, this is converted into a prenuptial agreement.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fiscal partnership<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After the legal separation, partners are no longer fiscal partners. This has consequences for income tax returns, tax credits, and allowances. Depending on the situation, tax advice is recommended.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alimony<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Net als bij een echtscheiding kunnen afspraken worden gemaakt over <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/familierecht\/alimentatie\/\">partner- en kinderalimentatie<\/a>. De hoogte is afhankelijk van draagkracht en behoefte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Children<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the case of minor <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/kinderen\/\">children<\/a>, a parenting plan is mandatory with agreements on custody, residence, and child support. Joint parental authority remains in principle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marriage remains in effect<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You remain legally married. Remarriage is not possible as long as the legal separation has not been converted into a final divorce. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_the_procedure_work\"><\/span>How does the procedure work?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The procedure is largely the same as that of a <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/divorce\/\">divorce<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The lawyer prepares a petition and submits it to the court.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/echtscheidingsconvenant\/\">divorce settlement agreement<\/a> is drawn up with agreements on assets, alimony, and, if applicable, the parenting plan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the case of minor children, a parenting plan is included as an attachment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The judge assesses the request and issues a ruling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The ruling is registered in the matrimonial property register. The separation is not registered in the civil status records. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike a divorce, a legal separation is always a joint request. A unilateral application is not possible. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"International_situations\"><\/span>International situations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When one of the partners has a foreign nationality or lives abroad, it involves an international situation. For a legal separation, it then applies that you, your partner, or both of you must live in the Netherlands. You can read more about the rules for cross-border situations on the <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/\">international family law<\/a> page.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_options_thereafter\"><\/span>What are the options thereafter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Converting to a final divorce<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After at least three years of legal separation, the marriage can be definitively dissolved. The procedure then follows that of a regular divorce: a new settlement agreement is drawn up and the divorce is registered in the civil status records. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Scheiding van tafel en bed terugdraaien<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If partners decide to continue together after all, the legal separation can be reversed. To do so, both submit a joint request to the court for a notation in the matrimonial property register. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remaining legally separated forever<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no time limit attached to a legal separation. Partners can also choose to remain in this state forever. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Based_on_Real_Cases\"><\/span>Based on Real Cases<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In one case, Simmelink Lawyers assisted a couple who, due to ideological considerations, chose legal separation instead of a full divorce. The core of the case lay in the division of the joint home and the agreements regarding the children. By carefully preparing the procedure and drafting a clear settlement agreement, the partners were able to arrange their situation legally without dissolving the marriage.   Every situation requires its own assessment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<p><em>Written by <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/carla-simmelink\/\"><em>Carla Simmelink<\/em><\/a><em>, family law attorney at Simmelink Lawyers.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-advocaten-block\">\n<h2 class=\"gb-text\" id=\"advocaten\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Our_Attorneys_at_Law\"><\/span>Our Attorneys at Law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Simmelink Lawyers team specializes in family law, International family law, and inheritance law.<br \/>The lawyers combine legal expertise with international experience.<br \/>Clients are guided by one dedicated lawyer who oversees the entire process and communicates discreetly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bij complexe financi\u00eble kwesties of een internationale component is een gespecialiseerde advocaat belangrijk.<br \/>Wij streven naar juridisch juiste, praktisch uitvoerbare afspraken die u voorspelbaarheid en rust geven.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3bd256ba\">\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-5dcdaabb gb-query-loop-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-23938 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/carla-simmelink\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Carla Simmelink\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/carla-simmelink\/\">Carla Simmelink &#8211; Family Law Attorney, International Family Law and Inheritance Law<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Family Law Attorney, International Family Law and Inheritance Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-29865 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/valerie-lingg\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Valerie Lingg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/valerie-lingg\/\">Valerie Lingg &#8211; Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-23939 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/eva-zaunbrecher-bosschlo\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Eva Zaunbrecher\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/eva-zaunbrecher-bosschlo\/\">Eva Zaunbrecher-Boschloo &#8211; Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Lawyer at Law (International) Family Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-36349 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/sophia-sips\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Sophia Sips\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/sophia-sips\/\">Sophia Sips &#8211; Family Law Attorney<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"s-quotes-block gb-element-b0365a51 testimonial-block\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"s-quote-card-icon gb-media-5cab658b testimonial-icon\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/quote.svg\" title=\"quote\">\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-text s-quote-card-text testimonial-text\"><em><em>Clients are guided by a dedicated lawyer who oversees the entire file and communicates discreetly.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-text s-quote-card-author testimonial-author\">Mr. Carla Simmelink, lawyer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-be249d49 s-margin-vert-xl s-content-block\">\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-bfdf1120 gb-headline-text gbp-section__headline\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-1e85dbd5 gb-accordion\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d1310856 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-19f7b745 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-19f7b745\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">What is the difference between legal separation and divorce?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-52e77243\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-52e77243\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-b299caa3 gb-headline-text\">In a divorce, the marriage is fully dissolved and registered in the civil status records. In a legal separation, you remain legally married, but the assets are divided and you are no longer fiscal partners. The ruling is only registered in the matrimonial property register.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3600de9f gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-ba8b12fe gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-ba8b12fe\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">Can I unilaterally request a legal separation?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-54bea308\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-54bea308\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-784447a0 gb-headline-text\">No. A legal separation always requires a joint request from both partners. This differs from a divorce, where a unilateral request is also possible. If one of the partners does not wish to cooperate, a legal separation is not possible.   <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d7e7a6c6 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-361ea87d gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-361ea87d\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong><strong><strong>What are the costs of legal separation?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-c5948222\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-c5948222\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-51ced355 gb-headline-text\">The costs are comparable to those of a divorce: legal fees on an hourly basis and court fees. The complexity of the case, the presence of children, and the extent of the assets determine the total costs. An indication of the expected time investment is provided during a consultation.   This is general information, not individual legal advice.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-fc394c18 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-8dd43315 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-8dd43315\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">Can I remarry after a legal separation?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-d545942c\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d545942c\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-c9e904f9 gb-headline-text\">No. As long as the marriage formally remains in effect, remarriage is not possible. Only after converting the legal separation into a final divorce and its registration is a new marriage possible.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-2769f6b3 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-1983797d gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-1983797d\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">How long does it take before I can convert to a final divorce?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-7c18bfac\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7c18bfac\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-ee70b14f gb-headline-text\">After at least three years of legal separation, the marriage can be converted into a final divorce. The conversion procedure takes place through the court and again requires a lawyer and a settlement agreement. Depending on the circumstances, previously made agreements can be revised.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"gb-text s-content-block\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Trust_and_quality\"><\/span>Trust and quality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Simmelink Lawyers is affiliated with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.advocatenorde.nl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Dutch Bar Association<\/a>.<br \/>Read more about our <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/reviews\/\">reviews<\/a> or see how we work via our <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-approach\/\">working method<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-element-eab29512\">\n<div class=\"s-btn-group gb-element-7313c4f1\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_you_considering_a_legal_separation\"><\/span><strong>Are you considering a legal separation?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/contact\/\">Contact us<\/a> to discuss your situation and the possible routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-text s-btn-primary s-btn--small\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/contact\/\">Contact Us<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-text s-btn-primary s-btn--small\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-approach\/second-opinion\/\">Request a second opinion<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-text\">Or contact us by phone via: <a href=\"tel:+31303078732\">030 &#8211; 30 787 32<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-34ac26a6\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-34ce7bbc\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-7a1d0082\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"93\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-7a1d0082\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/nederlandse-orde-van-advocaten-logo-300x93.png\" alt=\"Logo of the Dutch Bar Association\" title=\"Logo of the Dutch Bar Association\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/nederlandse-orde-van-advocaten-logo-300x93.png 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/nederlandse-orde-van-advocaten-logo.png 340w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7b78af02\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-cae6833a\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-cae6833a\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/RaadvRechtspraak.svg\" alt=\"\" title=\"RaadvJustice\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-07670684\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"340\" height=\"105\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-07670684\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/raad-voor-rechtsbijstand-high-trust-logo.png\" alt=\"Council for Legal Aid High Trust Logo\" title=\"Council for Legal Aid High Trust Logo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/raad-voor-rechtsbijstand-high-trust-logo.png 340w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/raad-voor-rechtsbijstand-high-trust-logo-300x93.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 340px) 100vw, 340px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On this page In brief Legal separation is a legal measure where partners live separately and the community of property is dissolved, but the marriage formally continues to exist. What is legal separation? Legal separation is a legal measure where partners remain married by law but live separately. The community of property is dissolved and &#8230; <a title=\"Legal separation\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/divorce-table-and-bed\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Legal separation\">Lees meer<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":22595,"parent":24950,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-24968","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"infinite-scroll-item","7":"resize-featured-image"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24968","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24968"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24968\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37078,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24968\/revisions\/37078"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24950"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22595"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24968"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}