Valentine’s Day is a time when many couples take the next steps to start planning their future. Whether it’s a new relationship or plans are being made for a romantic proposal, couples often use the 14th February to express their commitment to each other.
We know that it is not necessarily romantic or easy to think of the law at the commencement of a new relationship. However, it is important to plan and protect your future. We have expert Family Law solicitors at BWL that can give you the advice you need if you are considering the next steps in your relationship and if you require legal certainty about your future.
What will I be entitled to if we separate
Often, people approach this from the starting point of an equal division of assets. Although this is the starting point in many cases, especially those that are married, other factors will need to be considered before deciding what a ‘fair’ outcome will be. All outcomes are dependent on the specific facts of a case.
What if we are unmarried but living together?
Couples often try living together for a short period before considering the next steps of marriage.
A common misconception is that of the “common law marriage” which simply does not exist in the jurisdiction of England and Wales. If you are an unmarried couple and you live together you will not have the same rights and entitlements as that of a married couple. This is regardless of the number of years you have lived together or whether there are children of the relationship.
You can help better protect your rights and entitlements when moving in with your partner by entering into a Cohabitation Agreement.
Planning for marriage?
If you are planning to marry, you can enter into a Pre-nuptial Agreement with your partner before you marry to ensure you know what your rights and entitlements will be before you ‘tie the knot’, and how this may be shared in the unfortunate event of divorce.
At BWL we fully appreciate that such an agreement may be difficult to discuss with your spouse to be and there are several other matters to consider before the big day. However, a Pre-nuptial Agreement can offer security for both in the future rather than leaving matters to chance. It can also make things easier in the event of separation if the relationship takes a turn for the worst.
It is not possible to enter such an agreement after you get married. However, a Post-nuptial Agreement is a wise alternative for married couples, as it sets out how the matrimonial assets will be divided, in the event of a divorce. If you feel like your marriage is going through a ‘rocky’ stage and want to know how you can protect your assets, please get in touch with one of our Family Law solicitors for advice today.
Whether you are married or cohabiting we offer a variety of services for all couples to protect their future and prevent these costly and lengthy battles, including Cohabitation Agreements, Pre-nuptial Agreements, Post-nuptial Agreements, and making a new Will.