separation of assets
Also called: pemisahan harta
An arrangement in which the husband's and wife's assets and debts remain separate during the marriage.
What it means
Separation of assets is an arrangement in which the husband's and wife's assets are not combined into joint property. It is usually set out through a prenuptial agreement registered according to the rules. With separation of assets, each party holds ownership of and responsibility for their own assets. This arrangement does not automatically mean the couple does not share household costs.
Why it matters for families
Separation of assets affects how a family views debt, business, and inheritance. If misunderstood, a couple may think all income automatically becomes joint property, or conversely think there is no need to contribute to household support. This clarity matters when one party runs a risky business or receives an inheritance. Big decisions such as buying a house should take this asset status into account.
Example
A married couple chooses separation of assets because one of them runs a business. A house is bought in joint names with an agreed share, while business assets remain recorded in the name of the business owner. They still share monthly household costs as agreed.
Common misunderstanding
It is often assumed that separation of assets means a couple is not obliged to support the family. In fact, separation of assets governs asset ownership; it does not remove the obligation to provide support and household responsibility.