However, in some other areas, such as property rights, pensions and inheritance, they are treated differently.
They can clearly regulate their property rights and what arrangements might be made for mutual financial support, dealing with debt, caring for children, etc.
In the absence of an agreement it may be difficult to determine ownership of assets acquired during a relationship.
For assets such as real estate or motor vehicles, ownership may be resolved based upon title ownership without regard to whether the partner not named on the title contributed to the purchase or maintenance.
The contract aims to achieve a measure of certainty about what the financial consequence would be if the marriage came to an end.