Separated Partners: Who Gets Invested Money Back?

When a romantic relationship ends in Austria, lingering financial matters can create significant complications, particularly for unmarried couples. Unlike married individuals who benefit from specific legal frameworks for asset division, those in a cohabiting relationship must navigate the complexities of general civil law. This often involves applying principles of contract law for loans and repayment agreements, or agency law if one partner managed the other's assets. The Austrian Supreme Court (OGH) is currently addressing these issues, aiming to clarify the consequences of relationship dissolution on capital investments, depot losses, and the repayment claims that may arise between former partners. The lack of a dedicated legal structure for cohabiting unions means that disentangling finances can be a challenging and often contentious process.