The principles relating to the allocation of house contents between a couple ending their relationship are governed by the Immoveable Property Law of 1971. This states that each partner is entitled to request the division of joint property. If there is an agreement between them limiting this right then the court can order the division of the property despite this, if it regards this as right in the particular circumstances.

It adds that the property should be divided according to agreement between the partners but failing that according to a court order . The court can a) just decide who should get each item or b) can order their sale and divide the proceeds or c) divide it in another way which it regards fair and efficient in the circumstances.

The family court thus has a wide range of options should the couple fail to reach an agreement about their house contents.