{"id":249176,"date":"2025-09-23T15:56:42","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T13:56:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/highgate.sk\/marriage-and-business-how-to-protect-assets-from-bsm-risks\/"},"modified":"2025-09-29T14:00:30","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T12:00:30","slug":"marriage-and-business-how-to-protect-assets-from-bsm-risks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/highgate.sk\/en\/marriage-and-business-how-to-protect-assets-from-bsm-risks\/","title":{"rendered":"Marriage and business: how to protect assets from BSM risks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Do you know what all belongs to the community property after the wedding? And what happens to your business if a crisis comes? Marriage is not only an emotional commitment, but also a legal institution that fundamentally changes the way property is handled. We often only realise this when unexpected situations arise &#8211; divorce, accident, business failure or even bankruptcy. At Highgate Estate Vault, we believe that preparedness is the key to protecting both family and business.    <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>In this article we will show you:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>how matrimonial community of property (BSM) works in Slovakia,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>which assets belong to the community property and which remain exclusive,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>what it means for entrepreneurs, business owners and investors,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>what tools exist to protect assets during marriage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is BSM and why is it important for entrepreneurs<\/h2>\n\n<p>In Slovakia, the principle of joint ownership of spouses (BSM) applies. This means that all property acquired during the marriage belongs to both spouses jointly &#8211; without determining the share. They both have equal ownership rights to the property that falls under the BSM.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is BSM created?<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>on the date of the valid conclusion of the marriage (not before or after),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>automatically, by law &#8211; no agreement is needed,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>lasts until the marriage is dissolved (divorce, death) or until it is annulled\/modified by the court.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What belongs to the BSM?<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>wages, business income, dividends,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>movable and immovable property acquired during the marriage,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>savings, investments, securities,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the value received from the sale of common property.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does not belong in the BSM?<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>property acquired before the marriage,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>property acquired by inheritance or gift,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>items serving only personal needs (e.g. personal jewellery, an artist&#8217;s musical instrument),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>items obtained in restitution,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>copyrights, e.g. works, intellectual property, but beware: the income from their sale is already part of the BSM. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Business and marriage: where do the risks arise?<\/h2>\n\n<p>If you are a partner in a company, the rights of a partner belong exclusively to you &#8211; not to your spouse. However: <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the economic value of the business share (i.e. its price, earnings, dividends) during the marriage belongs to the BSM,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the spouse&#8217;s consent may be required for the transfer of the share to another person (if the disposal is of joint property or if the partnership agreement so provides).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<p><strong>Example from practice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>The entrepreneur entered into the marriage as a 100% partner in the company. The company is &#8220;his&#8221; but: <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>any dividend paid during the marriage already belongs to the BSM,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>if the business is sold during the marriage, the proceeds of the sale are shared,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>on divorce, the wife can claim half of the value of the share acquired during the marriage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Options for the protection of matrimonial property<\/h2>\n\n<p>Many entrepreneurs mistakenly rely on the so-called &#8220;prenuptial agreement&#8221;. In Slovak law, this institute does not exist in the form we know it from abroad. However, there are other ways:   <\/p>\n\n<p><strong>1.<\/strong> <strong><strong>Agreement on the reduction\/extension of the BSM<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>is concluded by notarial deed,<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the spouses can agree that e.g. income from a business will not be part of the BSM, <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>applies prospectively, retroactive exclusion of assets is not possible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<p><strong>2.<\/strong> <strong>Agreement on the creation of BSM on the date of dissolution of the marriage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>during the marriage, each has separate property,<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>on dissolution of the marriage, the property is counted and divided,<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>suitable for entrepreneurs who want flexibility during marriage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<p><strong>3.<\/strong> <strong>Judicial annulment of BSM<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>possible for compelling reasons (e.g. one spouse&#8217;s business, risk of debt, gambling behaviour),<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the application may be filed by the spouse who is not in business or is at risk,<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the court decides on an individual basis &#8211; it is not an automatic judicial procedure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Saboteur husband? What if the business is compromised during the marriage? <\/h2>\n\n<p>Divorce can be a lengthy process. Until the marriage is formally ended, assets remain in the BSM and the other spouse may need to be involved in business decisions. <\/p>\n\n<p>If cooperation is impossible and threatens the business, it is possible:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>file a petition for dissolution of the BSM with the court (e.g. if the other spouse acts against good morals or puts the business at disproportionate risks),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>prepare for property settlements through expert reports and legal representation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<p><strong>How to do it practically?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>map your assets &#8211; which assets you own, which belong to the BSM,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>consider a BSM agreement &#8211; preferably right after the marriage,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Think through the business structure &#8211; a holding company, trust, foundation can provide protection,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>don&#8217;t wait for conflict &#8211; a preventive setup is always cheaper than litigation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Estate Vault &#8211; protecting your assets for every life situation<\/h2>\n\n<p>Whether you are preparing for marriage or already running a business during the course of it, <a href=\"https:\/\/estatevault.sk\/#o-nas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Estate Vault<\/a> can help you set up both legal and financial structures to keep your assets safe.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Individual consultations for entrepreneurs and investors,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protection of the company from the consequences of BSM,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Practical solutions for families with different assets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t wait for unpleasant situations. Book a consultation and get a <strong>checklist of steps to protect your business from the risks of marriage<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/highgate.sk\/produkt\/komplexna-konzultacia-s-tomasom-demom\/\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/highgate.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/banner-konzultacia-komplexna-Tomas-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4314\" srcset=\"https:\/\/highgate.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/banner-konzultacia-komplexna-Tomas-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/highgate.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/banner-konzultacia-komplexna-Tomas-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/highgate.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/banner-konzultacia-komplexna-Tomas-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/highgate.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/banner-konzultacia-komplexna-Tomas-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/highgate.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/banner-konzultacia-komplexna-Tomas-600x338.png 600w, https:\/\/highgate.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/banner-konzultacia-komplexna-Tomas.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you know what all belongs to the community property after the wedding? And what happens to your business if a crisis comes? Marriage is not only an emotional commitment, but also a legal institution that fundamentally changes the way property is handled. We often only realise this when unexpected situations arise &#8211; divorce, accident, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":249087,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[134],"tags":[102],"class_list":["post-249176","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-interesting-topics","tag-asset-protection"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/highgate.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/249176","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/highgate.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/highgate.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/highgate.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/highgate.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=249176"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/highgate.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/249176\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":249177,"href":"https:\/\/highgate.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/249176\/revisions\/249177"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/highgate.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/249087"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/highgate.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=249176"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/highgate.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=249176"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/highgate.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=249176"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}