Love is in the Air… What to Think About if You’ve Just Become Engaged

By Karen Pritchard

Principal Associate

Congratulations! Here are some things to think about when you’re planning the big day…

  1. Consider getting a pre-marital agreement, known as a “pre nup”. They’re not just for the rich and famous, and they’re particularly important in second marriages where there is pre-relationship assets or children, or where one or both parties has inherited or gifted assets. They’re likely to be upheld by the court in the event of divorce provided certain criteria have been met.
  1. If you’re going to cohabit for a while before you get married, take advice about your respective rights whilst living together. Cohabitees do not have any rights against each other, but claims can arise in respect of contributions towards a purchase or on behalf of children. Make sure that you understand your legal position in the event that the relationship ends before marriage.
  1. If you’ve been married before and you receive spousal maintenance (which is different from child maintenance) that will automatically terminate on your remarriage. Take legal advice so that you understand your options before you remarry.
  1. Update your Wills and make sure that you think about who you would like to look after your children in the event of your death.

For more information or to find out how we can help you, please contact our Family Team on 0345 646 0406 or fill in our online enquiry form and a member of our Team will be in touch.