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A family lawyer in Belarus can provide essential legal support during challenging times. Whether you are dealing with divorce, child custody, alimony, or prenuptial agreements, a qualified family lawyer ensures your rights are protected. They offer guidance through the legal processes, helping you navigate complex family law matters with professionalism and empathy. With in-depth knowledge of local regulations, a family lawyer can provide tailored solutions that align with your goals and help you achieve the best possible outcomes for your family’s future.
What is a marriage contract
A marriage contract, also known as a prenuptial agreement, is a legal document that outlines the financial and property rights of each spouse in the event of divorce or separation. It can specify how assets and debts will be divided, as well as determine spousal support. In Belarus, a marriage contract is legally binding and provides a sense of security for both parties. By addressing these issues before marriage, a marriage contract helps avoid conflicts and ensures clarity in the case of unforeseen circumstances or relationship breakdowns.

What gives spouses the conclusion of a marriage contract in Belarus
The terms of the marriage contract in Belarus are determined by the spouses themselves. First of all, the contract solves the issues of ownership of property, monetary deposits, about which of the spouses pays loans and debts. The terms of the contract might include provisions about the children’s upbringing, support, and even divorce provisions. It is possible to provide with which of the parents they will stay in case of divorce, which of the parents in this case will pay maintenance and in what amount, in what order the parent who does not live with them will spend time with the children. In the contract, you can write down issues of religion, medical care — these are the non-property rights of spouses.
They do not include in the marriage contract conditions that put one of the spouses in an unfavorable situation in advance and do not comply with the norms of the laws. For example, it is impossible to provide in the marriage contract a condition that in case of infidelity of one of the spouses, all his property passes to the second spouse. This condition does not comply with the law, since, as a general rule, spouses have equal rights to the property they acquired in marriage. Such a condition also worsens the situation of one of the spouses.

Amendment and Termination of a Marriage Contract in Belarus: Legal Steps and Costs
The marriage contract can be amended or terminated at any time by mutual agreement between the spouses. To make changes or dissolve the contract, both parties must apply to a notary. The process involves submitting documents similar to those required for the initial marriage contract. The notary will prepare and certify the necessary amendments or dissolution. The notary fee for amending or terminating a marriage contract is approximately 220 rubles. This ensures that both parties’ interests are properly documented and legally recognized.
Recognition of a marriage contract as invalid
A marriage contract can be recognized as invalid if it violates the rights and interests of one of the spouses, children, or third parties. For example, a marriage contract cannot be made with a minor (unless emancipated) or with an incapacitated person. Additionally, a contract may be deemed invalid if it was signed under duress, deceit, misrepresentation, or concealment of true intentions. Such actions violate the legal principles of fairness and transparency, and the contract may be annulled by a court if these conditions are proven.

Executing the marriage contract
The terms of a marriage contract must be enforced by both spouses, including after divorce. Following a divorce, the property and assets outlined in the contract must be divided according to the agreement. However, it’s important to consider that significant changes in family circumstances, such as a spouse’s serious illness or disability, may affect the ability to fulfill certain conditions. If such changes occur, the enforcement of specific terms could become challenging, and the parties involved may need to renegotiate or seek legal assistance to modify the agreement.
Can a marriage contract be amended or dissolved?
A marriage contract can be amended or dissolved by mutual consent of both parties. The process is similar to creating the initial agreement: it must be in writing, signed by both spouses, and certified by a notary. If the contract involves real estate, it is registered with the agency for state registration and land cadastre. A terminated prenuptial agreement ends immediately after notarization, while postnuptial obligations continue even after dissolution. A court can also declare the agreement invalid if it violates the law, is made under duress, or contains fraudulent terms.

How to conclude a prenuptial agreement in Belarus
The marriage contract is drawn up in writing, and it must be notarized.
Spouses need to come to any notary with passports, from which it is clear that the couple are spouses or with residence permits. In this case, you need to take a marriage certificate or a certificate from the civil registration authorities about marriage. If the marriage is concluded in another state, then it is necessary to legalize and translate the marriage document. A marriage contract is not concluded under a power of attorney.
When spouses want to resolve property issues in the marriage contract, in order to confirm their rights to immovable property, they need to take with them certificates of ownership and an extract from the registration book issued by the territorial organization for state registration of immovable property. The prenuptial agreement, which resolves the issues of division and ownership of immovable property, must be registered with the territorial organization for state registration. It should be borne in mind that the issues of ownership of immovable property located in another state are resolved according to the laws of the state where this property is located. That is, it is better to conclude a marriage contract in respect of property that is located in another state in local state.
To confirm bank deposits, loans, you need to take the relevant agreements concluded with the bank.
When, after a divorce, one of the spouses does not fulfill the terms of the marriage contract, the other spouse can go to court. The court checks whether the marriage contract complies with the law. If it corresponds, the court issues an enforcement document and sends it to the bailiff for enforcement.
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What can’t be spelled out in a marriage contract?
FAQ
A marriage contract can specify how property, including real estate, will be owned by one spouse or held as joint property. After signing the contract, it’s necessary to register the property with the local registry to confirm ownership. It’s important to remember that the marriage contract itself does not automatically transfer property rights; the registration process is essential to make the spouse the legal owner of the property.
A marriage contract can include provisions regarding alimony, specifying amounts and payment schedules. However, the alimony amount cannot fall below the legal minimum required by law—25% for one child, 33% for two children, and 50% for three or more. If one spouse refuses to fulfill alimony obligations, the other can request an enforcement document to compel payment, ensuring the financial well-being of the children or the spouse entitled to support.
Marriage contracts can also address matters concerning children, such as custody arrangements, child support, and visitation. A child custody agreement within a marriage contract clarifies both parents’ responsibilities and expectations, reducing potential conflicts and ensuring the child’s well-being is prioritized. Such clauses help avoid disputes during divorce by setting clear guidelines for raising children in accordance with both parents’ desires and legal rights.
Advantages include clear protection of each spouse’s assets, reduced conflict over property division in case of divorce, and preemptive planning for future financial changes. However, disadvantages include the social stigma that often accompanies marriage contracts, potential need for revisions if laws change, and the cost of notarization. Additionally, it can be difficult to predict all future needs, leading to further amendments, and one spouse may feel pressured into signing, especially if there’s an imbalance of wealth.
In Belarus, individuals can legally sign a marriage contract starting at the age of 18. However, if a person is 16 or 17 years old, a marriage contract can still be registered, but it requires a court decision. This ensures that younger individuals entering into contracts are adequately protected and that the agreement is entered into voluntarily, with the legal and emotional maturity required to make such decisions.
A marriage contract clearly defines who owns the property acquired during the marriage, whether it’s joint property or individually owned. The contract helps prevent disputes over ownership by specifying the rights of each spouse over their assets, both before and after marriage. By detailing the distribution of property, it reduces ambiguity and provides clear legal guidelines, offering protection for each spouse’s personal property and ensuring fairness in case of divorce or separation.
Yes, a marriage contract must be notarized to be legally valid in Belarus. Once notarized, it becomes a legally binding document that can be enforced in court if necessary. Registration is crucial for the document to be recognized by legal authorities and to ensure that the agreed terms are enforceable, especially in cases involving property division, alimony, or child custody. Without registration, the contract may not hold legal weight in any disputes or divorce proceedings.
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LawyerLegal assistance is provided by advocate Anton Grinewich, Specialized Legal Bar No. 2 in Minsk.
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AddressOffice: 1 Krasnaya str., Minsk, Republic of Belarus Postal address: 1 Krasnaya str., Minsk, Republic of Belarus
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