Cohabitation and Debt: Crucial Information

Questioner

29-year-old woman with Wajong benefit wants to live with her (divorced) boyfriend. He pays alimony to his ex and health insurance for his 18-year-old son. In addition, he took out a personal loan in his name to purchase a car. Does living together mean that she will be responsible for the debts if he dies? How can we prevent this? We are her trustees, she is our daughter. Can the debts also be recovered from us? What options are there to ensure that neither of them loses their health care allowance? Are both incomes added together and what are the consequences for both? As parents, we can't figure this out. Can you advise us?

Lawyer

In the event of cohabitation, no liability arises for the debts in his name. As administrator, you are not liable for debts in your daughter's name. Whether the care allowance is reduced depends on whether your daughter and her partner become allowance partners. If you are married or have a registered partnership, your partner is always your allowance partner. If you live together in another way, are both of legal age and meet at least one of the following conditions, you are also each other's allowance partner: - You have entered into a registered cohabitation contract (at the notary) - You have a child together - You have acknowledged a child of your partner or your partner has acknowledged a child of yours - Your partners are in favor of a pension plan - You own a home together - You or your partner have a resident child who is younger than 18 years of age - You are each other's tax partner for income tax purposes

Questioner

Thank you very much for your clear answer.