Liability for Debts: What You Need to Know

Questioner

I live with my boyfriend, also registered at the town hall. We have a child together, who is also recognized. We do not have a cohabitation contract and are not married either. My boyfriend has debts with the authorities, not big but still. Could I also be liable for his debts? I would like a clear answer because I was completely misunderstood every time before this.

Lawyer

No, you cannot be held liable for your friend's debts because you are not married and do not have a cohabitation contract and I assume you are not a registered partner either.

Questioner

I don't know if you mean the tax authorities as registered partners, but the tax authorities do list us as fiscal partners because I have had my address changed so that I now live with him.

Lawyer

No, I don't mean the tax authorities. Registered partnership is similar to marriage and must also be registered with the registrar. But I assume you haven't done that. In that case, you cannot be held liable for the debts of the person you live with.

Questioner

Thank you for the clarification. No, our partnership is indeed not registered with the registrar.