This colloquium, organised by the Notaries of Europe and the European Commission, sets out to analyse real situations experienced by citizens who move within Europe. This is why the first day’s contributions will be structured around case studies, a description of which can be found below.

We also offer you the chance to ask questions that might reflect your personal experiences in relation to the topics discussed on 19 March. Some of these questions will be selected and the speakers will endeavour to answer them at the end of each session.

To put questions to the panel, click here.

Interpretation will be available in the following languages : English, French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish.

9.45 – 10.00
Opening speech

10.00 – 11.00
The recognition of marriage and registered partnerships between same-sex couples

Case study: A Dutch couple of the same sex lives in Belgium, where they marry. The couple is transferred to Austria to work at the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, whose headquarters is in Vienna. Will the marriage contract concluded in Belgium be recognised by the Viennese civil law notary contacted by the couple to manage the various property consequences of their move?

11.00 – 11.15
Discussion and close of session

11.15 – 11.30
Break

11.30 – 12.30
Cross-border divorce

Case study: A German couple marries in Munich with a marriage contract. The husband has just obtained a job at the European Central Bank and the couple moves to Frankfurt. Following a promotion, the husband is transferred to Stockholm to the National Bank of Sweden. Unfortunately, the couple’s relationship is not running smoothly and they divorce. In which country will the divorce be declared? Which law is applicable to the divorce? What will happen regarding liquidation of the matrimonial property regime?

12.30 – 12.45
Discussion and close of session

12.45 – 14.30
Buffet lunch

14.30 – 15.30
The protection of creditors

Case study : A Polish couple lives in Warsaw. During their years living together the married couple have incurred numerous debts. They decide to move to Finland, where they soon incur new debts. For the recovery of the debts, what order of creditors will be established? What will happen to the couple’s assets?

15.30 – 15.45
Discussion and close of session

15.45 – 16.00
Break

16.00 – 17.00
Succession planning

Case study : An English-Dutch couple lives in the Netherlands, where the husband works at the Hague Conference on International Private Law. The Dutch husband, who is particularly wealthy, decides to plan his succession in order to organise the distribution of assets in the event of his death. He is offered a job offer in Paris. Before deciding whether or not to move, he would like to know the implications for his succession planning, particularly in the event that he were to die in France.

17.00 – 17.15
Discussion and close of session

9.30 – 10.30
The protection of vulnerable adults

10.30 – 11.30
The mutual recognition of civil status documents 

11.30 – 11.45
Break

11.45 – 12.30
The mutual recognition and enforcement of authentic acts in Europe

12.30 – 13.00
Closing speech