There are many things to consider when getting married or entering into a civil partnership; finding the perfect location, picking the dress or suit of your dreams, tracking down a photographer to capture the day, getting creative and making invitations or favours for tables, taste-testing and choosing a tantalising menu… The list is endless and the cost can soon mount up, especially when a 30% price increase seems to appear just at the mere mention of a wedding!

Most couples accept that weddings are expensive and are content to incur the outlay as they look forward to spending their lives together. However, there is one major expense that couples don’t think to plan for- SEPARATION.

Noone wants to think about what would happen if they split-up just as they prepare to make the ultimate commitment, but this is precisely when smart couples should. It’s far easier to think rationally about what would be a fair outcome for both of you when you love and care about that person. Once you are married, in the eyes of the court everything you own individually is up for grabs upon separation.

If you have been married before, own your own house, have children from a previous relationship or have saved and invested wisely and want to limit the scope for uncertain, emotionally draining and financially costly court proceedings in the event of a future breakdown of the relationship, you should consider a pre-nuptial or pre-civil partnership agreement.

A pre-nuptial/pre-civil agreement is a legal agreement made between two individuals before their marriage has taken place. It usually sets out how the couple wish their assets to be divided between them if they later separate or divorce. It could also detail how the couple currently arrange their finances and how they will arrange them during their marriage.

Although it is not legally binding, providing the courts are satisfied that the parties freely entered into the agreement, with full understanding of the implications (this is more likely to be met if the parties have sought independent legal advice) and in the circumstances it is fair to uphold the agreement, the parties should expect to be held to it upon separation.

If you want to have a chat about your options call our Freephone number 0800 389 7093 (24/7, 7 days a week) and arrange to meet with an expert Family Law Solicitor for a free, no obligation, initial consultation at one of our offices. Or use the contact us link on our website and we’ll call you.