In a flash annulment procedure, a marriage is downgraded to a registered partnership which is subsequently dissolved. This procedure is much quicker and effectively circumvents a normal divorce procedure. Since 1 April 2001, it is possible for married couples to start up a flash annulment procedure.
A marriage can only be dissolved in court, whereas a registered partnership can be dissolved by a solicitor or notary public, provided the couple mutually agrees and both partners have indicated their intention to terminate the partnership before a solicitor or notary public. The agreement settles the apportionment of property and the alimony. For the registered partnership to be considered terminated, official registration of the agreement into the municipal population registers is imperative.
