A majority of MPs wants to change the marriage law so that shared ownership only covers assets built up during the marriage.

At the moment shared ownership in marriage covers all assets, debts and inheritances brought to the marriage by both partners, as well as those achieved during the relationship.

Shared ownership is standard and couples who want to keep their assets and debts separate must have a contract drawn up by a solicitor.

MPs from the ruling coalition Labour and liberal VVD parties together with those from the D66 liberal democrats want the law changed to cover just assets, debts and inheritances accrued during the marriage, Nos television reports.

The change would bring the Netherlands into line with the international standard for marriage contracts. It would also prevent a nasty surprise for one party in a divorce if old debts surface for the other party.

The solicitors’ network Netwerk Notarissen is enthusiastic about the change. Their recent survey showed a majority of brides and bridegrooms-to-be did not want to share assets built up before the wedding with their partner. And 75% did not want to share their partner’s debts.