{"id":25139,"date":"2024-08-27T08:20:44","date_gmt":"2024-08-27T07:20:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/family-law\/assets-pension\/"},"modified":"2026-03-17T19:12:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T18:12:48","slug":"assets","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/assets\/","title":{"rendered":"Division of Assets in Divorce"},"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\/assets\/#What_is_included_in_the_assets_to_be_divided\" >What is included in the assets to be divided?<\/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\/assets\/#The_home_during_divorce_owner-occupied_rental_or_sale\" >The home during divorce: owner-occupied, rental, or sale<\/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\/assets\/#Home_equity_buyout_and_mortgage\" >Home equity, buyout, and mortgage<\/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\/assets\/#Step-by-step_plan_for_the_division_of_assets\" >Step-by-step plan for the division of assets<\/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\/assets\/#Pitfalls_and_evidence\" >Pitfalls and evidence<\/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\/assets\/#International_aspects_of_the_division_of_assets\" >International aspects of the division of assets<\/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\/assets\/#Practical_examples\" >Practical examples<\/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\/assets\/#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\/assets\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/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>When dividing assets during a divorce, it is determined who is entitled to which part of the joint assets, based on the matrimonial property regime or the form of cohabitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The reference date determines which assets are included in the division; this is usually the date on which the divorce petition was filed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assets and debts must be valued based on current information, such as an appraisal report or bank statements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the case of an <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/assets\/koopwoning\/\">owner-occupied home<\/a>, it must be determined who will keep the property or whether the property will be sold; each scenario requires different legal steps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home equity, buyouts, and the amount of the mortgage are linked to the financial capacity of the partner remaining in the home.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Inheritances and gifts may fall outside the division if an exclusion clause applies.<\/p>\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_included_in_the_assets_to_be_divided\"><\/span>What is included in the assets to be divided?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The assets to be divided generally include all assets and debts that fall under the community of property. Think of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the matrimonial home and mortgage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>bank and savings accounts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>investments or valuable assets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>debts and personal loans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>pension rights (treated separately under \/family-law\/divorce\/pension\/)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This may be different in the case of prenuptial agreements or a registered partnership with exclusion clauses. Depending on the agreements and circumstances, the court assesses whether certain asset components must be settled.  This is general information, not individual legal advice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_home_during_divorce_owner-occupied_rental_or_sale\"><\/span>The home during divorce: owner-occupied, rental, or sale<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For many couples, the home is the most important part of the division.<br\/>There are three main options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>One partner remains in the home<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The other is bought out or released from joint and several liability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A current appraisal is necessary to determine the home equity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The home is sold<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The sale proceeds are used to pay off the mortgage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any home equity is shared according to the rules of division.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The home is retained temporarily<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sometimes the sale is postponed, for example, pending financing or when there are children involved.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clear agreements regarding costs and risks are then important.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Rental properties also require attention. In many cases, the court can determine who retains the tenancy rights, depending on income, childcare, and personal circumstances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read more at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Owner-occupied home during divorce<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home equity and buyouts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ex-partner refuses to cooperate with the sale of the home<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New home after divorce<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Home_equity_buyout_and_mortgage\"><\/span>Home equity, buyout, and mortgage<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>home equity<\/strong> arises when the sale value of the home is higher than the remaining mortgage debt.<br\/>In a buyout, the departing partner is paid their share of the equity by the other. Three factors play a role in this: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The current market value (often established via appraisal).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The remaining mortgage and any additional debts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The financial capacity of the person who wishes to stay.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>A <strong>new mortgage<\/strong> or <strong>refinancing<\/strong> may be necessary. Banks then often request the divorce settlement agreement and a recent appraisal. In many cases, the bank \u2013 not the court \u2013 assesses whether it is financially feasible to remain in the home.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step-by-step_plan_for_the_division_of_assets\"><\/span>Step-by-step plan for the division of assets<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Inventory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Jointly map out all assets, debts, and properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Reference date<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Determine the date on which the assets are assessed. This is often the day the petition for divorce was filed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Valuation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Have the home appraised and determine the current values of other asset components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Agreements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Discuss whether one of you will take over the home or if a sale is preferred. Make decisions regarding division, settlement, and any rights to reimbursement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Documentation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Record the agreements made in a <strong>divorce settlement agreement<\/strong> or in a <strong>deed of division<\/strong> at the notary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Execution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Execute the agreements: transfer of the home, adjustment of the mortgage, and financial settlement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the division of assets, agreements regarding <strong>alimony<\/strong> or other financial obligations often remain.<br\/>You can find more information on our page <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/\">about alimony during divorce<\/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=\"Pitfalls_and_evidence\"><\/span>Pitfalls and evidence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many misunderstandings arise due to unclear reference dates or missing evidence.<br\/>Please note:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>an <strong>old appraisal<\/strong> can lead to an incorrect valuation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>not all <strong>debts<\/strong> have been shared;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>in the case of <strong>inheritances or gifts<\/strong>, an exclusion clause is decisive;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>agreements regarding alimony have been forgotten. <br\/>You can find more information on our page <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/\">about alimony during divorce<\/a>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Does one of you own assets or real estate abroad? If so, <strong>international family law<\/strong> may apply.<br\/>Read more about <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/\">international family law and the division of assets<\/a>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, ensure that you carefully collect all documents: appraisals, mortgage statements, bank accounts, and proof of inheritances or gifts.<\/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_aspects_of_the_division_of_assets\"><\/span>International aspects of the division of assets<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In some situations, assets or real estate abroad are involved, such as a second home, foreign account, or investment. In that case, <strong>international family law<\/strong> may be decisive for the division.<br\/>In many cases, the court assesses which law applies based on place of residence, nationality, or the location of the assets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br\/>Would you like to know which rules apply when (one of) you lives or works abroad?<br\/>Read more about <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/\">international family law and the division of assets<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-479128b1 sim-section\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d2156fab sim-section__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-c3c6957d\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9ac3bf72 gb-headline-text\">Our lawyers ensure that your agreements regarding the home and assets are legally correctly documented.<br>Schedule an appointment with us.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-2897bd62\">\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-0c012c4c gb-button-text sim-btn-action sim-button sim-button-action\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/contact\/\">Contact Us<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_examples\"><\/span>Practical examples<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Buyout after value increase<\/strong><br\/>A client wanted to remain in the home after house prices had risen. With a current appraisal and refinancing, the other partner could be correctly bought out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Right to reimbursement for a gift<\/strong><br\/>In another case, a gift from parents was involved. Because an exclusion clause applied, the amount fell outside the division. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. International divorce<\/strong><br\/>In an expat family, Dutch law applied to the home, while the other assets were invested abroad. The court applied the rules of division according to Brussels II-ter. <\/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>At Simmelink Lawyers, you work with lawyers specialized in family law, international family law, and inheritance law. We work intensively together on solutions that are legally sound and do personal justice to your situation.<\/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\"><strong>When does the division of assets begin?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/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 many cases, the day the divorce petition was filed serves as the reference date. For unmarried cohabitants, this depends on the agreements made. <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-2712f11d gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-17f3fa07 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-17f3fa07\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong>How is the value of the home determined?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-061dc4a6\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-061dc4a6\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-98660516 gb-headline-text\">Often via an independent appraisal. The value on the reference date is leading, unless you agree otherwise. <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-88866d7b gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-1365ae94 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-1365ae94\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong>What happens to the home equity or residual debt?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-433b3ebd\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-433b3ebd\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-d0db8993 gb-headline-text\">Home equity is usually shared according to the community of property or the agreed settlement clause. A residual debt is divided in the same way. <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7afb061f gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-f5653bff gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-f5653bff\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong>How does the court handle inheritances and gifts?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-e59cd61c\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-e59cd61c\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-e246ca56 gb-headline-text\">If an exclusion clause applies, these remain outside the division. Without such a clause, a settlement may be required. <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3d308dc8 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-08998158 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-08998158\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong>What if my ex-partner does not cooperate with the sale?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-89ad59c9\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-89ad59c9\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-7a7f4745 gb-headline-text\">In that case, a request can be made through the court or a notary for cooperation with the sale or adjustment of the ownership structure. This is general information, not individual advice. <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/2024\/05\/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 When dividing assets during a divorce, it is determined who is entitled to which part of the joint assets, based on the matrimonial property regime or the form of cohabitation. Inheritances and gifts may fall outside the division if an exclusion clause applies. What is included in the assets to &#8230; <a title=\"Division of Assets in Divorce\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/assets\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Division of Assets in Divorce\">Lees meer<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":16674,"parent":24950,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-25139","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\/25139","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=25139"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25139\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36320,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25139\/revisions\/36320"}],"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\/16674"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25139"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}