Protect your assets with advice about pre and post-nuptial agreements
When planning a wedding or civil partnership, the last thing you want to think about is the possibility of the relationship breaking down. But with over 40% of marriages ending in divorce, having plans in place to protect your assets, finances and arrangements for the children could avoid a lot of time, money, and distress down the line.
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What we offer?
Pre and post-nuptial agreements are contracts entered into by marrying couples or those entering into a civil partnership where you outline plans for your assets and any children in the relationship should it break down. You may never need to use them, but if you do, it is important that you have both had independent, expert advice to ensure that you can achieve the best outcome for both parties.
How can Sweeney Miller Law help?
Our friendly, specialist family law department are experienced in advising on and drafting tailored pre and post-nuptial agreements. We will work sympathetically with you and your partner’s solicitor to create an agreement that is fair, clear and appropriate for your circumstances.
To speak to a member of our friendly, knowledgeable Family Law team, call us today on 0345 900 5401. Alternatively, email enquiries@sweeneymiller.co.uk or filling in our online contact form.
A pre-nuptial agreement is entered in to by you and your partner before you marry or enter a civil partnership, and a post-nuptial agreement is exactly the same but entered in to after you are married or civil partners.
No, Courts in England and Wales have the power to make alternative arrangements for one or other of the individuals concerned if they regard the agreement to be unfair or unsuitable. However, Courts may take any nuptial agreements in to account when considering your divorce settlement, if they have been drawn up correctly, which is why it is important for both parties to get expert, independent advice when drawing up a pre or post nuptial agreement.
Assets acquired before the marriage or civil partnership
Businesses and trusts
Any debts on either partners’ side, and protections from them following divorce
Any children from previous marriages or any that are likely from the current relationship, and their financial provision
Management of joint finances and how finances would be divided following a relationship breakdown
Any inheritances already received or that may come during the relationship
Spousal support
We would also recommend that the agreement includes provision for revisions going forward, in case of any change in circumstances.
Any couple can enter into a nuptial agreement, but we would recommend them particularly for those who:
Have children from a previous marriage or relationship
Have assets from a previous marriage or relationship
Have assets or property that would be difficult to divide
Have their own business or investments
Are expecting money or assets as part of an inheritance in the future
Are entering a marriage or partnership with an individual with significant debts and are concerned about being liable for them should the relationship break down
As with all stages of planning a wedding, we would advise starting the process of drawing up your pre-nuptial agreement as soon as you get engaged to ensure you have plenty of time to get the right advice for both parties, including time for any negotiations and discussions about the agreement. If deadlines start to become tighter, it may be worth considering a post-nuptial agreement instead.
