It is up to the partners to weigh the pros and cons of each regime, according to their situation and expectations, and to make a choice that will be satisfactory to both of them. The matrimonial regime chosen has no effect on property included in the family patrimony, but only on other property. The legal regime of partnership of acquests Nearly half of all couples get married without a notarized marriage contract. Their union is then automatically governed by the regime of partnership of acquests. This regime by which each spouse owns and administers private property and acquests, is the legal regime in force since July 1, 1970.
Private property is that owned by each spouse before marriage.
In general, property acquired during a marriage is considered an acquest, and its value is liable to be divided equally between the spouses should the regime be dissolved. Unless it can clearly be established as the private property of one of the spouses, the property is considered an acquest. As each spouse administers his or her private property and acquests, he or she is solely responsible for the debts he or she contracts. An exception to this rule concerns debts contracted for the current expenses of the family, for which both spouses are responsible. Also, if the matrimonial regime is dissolved, each spouse can refuse the acquests of the other, particularly when the acquests show an unfavourable balance.