Commentary on Order No. 19584 of 16/07/2024: Mortgages and Divorce Allowances

The recent Order No. 19584 of July 16, 2024, from the Court of Cassation provides important clarifications regarding the registration of judicial mortgages as security for divorce allowances. The decision, issued by President F. De Stefano and reporter C. Valle, highlighted the principle of strictness concerning the judicial measures that can allow such registration. This article analyzes the key points of the ruling and their relevance in the context of family law.

The Principle of Strictness in Mortgage Registration

According to Article 2818, paragraph 2, of the Civil Code, the registration of a judicial mortgage is subject to a principle of strictness. This means that only judicial measures explicitly provided for by law can justify such registration. In the case examined, the Court emphasized that the divorce allowance cannot be secured through a mortgage registration based on a title other than that established by Article 8, paragraph 2, of Law No. 898 of 1970.

Generally. Regarding the registration of a judicial mortgage, Article 2818, paragraph 2, of the Civil Code establishes a principle of strictness for judicial measures other than the judgment that are suitable to allow the registration of the aforementioned real guarantee, with the consequence that the assignment of a divorce allowance cannot be secured by a registration based on a title other than that provided for by Article 8, paragraph 2, of Law No. 898 of 1970, applicable ratione temporis. (In this case, the Supreme Court annulled with referral the contested decision, establishing that the allowance attributed during the divorce proceedings could not be protected by a mortgage registration based on a previous decree approving the consensual separation agreement, since the maintenance allowance provided therein had a three-year duration and had already been fully complied with by the obligated spouse).

Implications of the Ruling

The order in question has brought to light some significant practical implications for legal professionals and spouses involved in divorce proceedings. The following considerations are relevant:

  • The necessity to comply with specific rules regarding the divorce allowance and the means of guarantee.
  • The limitation of using decrees approving consensual separation agreements as a title for mortgage registration.
  • The clarity in distinguishing between maintenance allowances and divorce allowances, highlighting their different legal nature.

Conclusions

In conclusion, Order No. 19584 of July 16, 2024, represents an important milestone in Italian jurisprudence regarding family law. By emphasizing the principle of strictness in mortgage registration for divorce allowances, the Court of Cassation has clarified the ways in which such measures can be implemented. It is essential for lawyers and their clients to be aware of these guidelines to avoid future issues and ensure proper management of divorce proceedings.

Bianucci Law Firm