Since 1989, Europe has witnessed an exponential increase in the number of so-called "registered partnership" schemes introduced alongside marriage. The diversity of registration schemes has created numerous problems in cases involving an international or cross-border element. This book focuses on these new registration schemes and is divided into two main parts. The first part is dedicated to the analysis and comparison of the substantive law rules of Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland). On the basis of this...

The Principles of European Family Law - drafted by the Commission on European Family Law (CEFL) - contain models which may be used for the harmonization of family law in Europe. This book contains the Principles regarding property relations between spouses. In these Principles, the CEFL has developed an all-inclusive set of rules for two matrimonial property regimes: the participation in acquisitions and the community of acquisitions. Both regimes have been put on an equal footing. Each matrimonial property regime, whether it functions as a default or as an optional regime, is strongly...

This volume contains papers delivered at the Commission on European Family Law's fifth international conference, focusing on comparative and international family law in Europe in their respective cultural contexts. The contributions address: the new Principles of European Family Law regarding Property Relations between Spouses * the proposed EU private international law regulations for international couples and their property relations * the laws of a growing number of countries which legislate non-formalized relationships * new developments regarding social, biological, and legal parentage....