Notice of Intended Marriage in Westland

Notice of Intended Marriage in Westland

The notice of intended marriage is the mandatory first step for getting married in Westland. At the Municipality of Westland, you announce your intention to marry on a specific date and time. The civil registrar checks for legal impediments and posts a public announcement so others can raise objections. This procedure lasts at least 14 days and is essential for a legally valid marriage.

Legal Basis

The rules for the notice of intended marriage are laid down in the Dutch Civil Code (DCC), Book 1, Title 5 (articles 30-58). Key articles include:

• Article 44 DCC: The civil registrar maintains a register of all planned marriages in the municipality.
• Article 45 DCC: The notice must be filed at least 14 days before the wedding date.
• Article 46 DCC: The announcement must be displayed visibly for at least 14 days in the Westland town hall.
• Article 47 DCC: Anyone may lodge objections during that period if legal impediments are suspected, such as an existing marriage.

These provisions ensure transparency and prevent invalid marriages like bigamy. Similar rules apply to registered partnerships (art. 80 et seq. DCC). In Westland, you can obtain free advice on these laws from Het Juridisch Loket Westland.

Who May File the Notice?

One of the partners or an authorized representative submits the notice to the Municipality of Westland, where the marriage will take place—not necessarily your place of residence. Both must be of legal age or emancipated (art. 31 DCC). Foreign nationals must meet residency requirements.

Conditions for the Partners

• Both must be competent to marry (art. 30 DCC): no blood relationship or existing marriage.
• No curatorship without court approval.
• Minors require parental or Rechtbank Westland consent (art. 36-38 DCC).

Required Documents

For the notice at the Municipality of Westland, these documents are standardly required, depending on your situation:

Request the checklist from the Municipality of Westland. Foreign documents must be translated and legalized.

Procedure in Westland Step by Step

1. Schedule Appointment: Via the website or phone of the Municipality of Westland, at least 14 days in advance.
2. Submit Notice: In person with documents; fee approx. €10-20.
3. Registrar's Check: Verification via the Personal Records Database for impediments.
4. Announcement: List with names, birth dates, and date displayed in the Westland town hall (14 days).
5. Objection Period: 14 days; no objections? Marriage proceeds.
6. Solemnization: With civil registrar and witnesses, often in Naaldwijk.

Practical Examples from Westland

Example 1: Marie (from Naaldwijk) and Tom (Belgian) marry in Westland. They file notice three weeks early at the civil registry in Naaldwijk. Tom's legalized certificate is approved; the marriage proceeds smoothly after publication.

Example 2: Piet from Monster, recently divorced, files with Sophie. Divorce papers initially missing; supplied later, it succeeds.

Example 3: Partner with criminal record? No issue, unless curatorship or ongoing partnership—then possible objection via Rechtbank Westland.

Rights and Obligations

Rights:

• Inspect the announcement in the Westland town hall.
• Lodge objections if impediments suspected (art. 47 DCC).
• Free information from Municipality of Westland or Het Juridisch Loket Westland.

Obligations:

• Provide accurate information; falsity is punishable (art. 225 Criminal Code).
• File notice in time to avoid delays.
• Validate documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for Westland

• Plan Ahead: Book 3 months in advance; dates in Naaldwijk fill up fast.
• Check Documents: Request certificates in time from municipality or consulate.
• Matrimonial Property Regime: Consider notary; link to relevant info.
• From Abroad?: Extra checks via Het Juridisch Loket Westland for smooth processing.