The idea of having a prenuptial agreement might not sound terribly romantic, but with 42% of marriages ending in divorce it is becoming practical. Not just for the rich and famous, agreeing one before you tie the knot can be invaluable if your relationship does break down.
Similarly, nobody entering into a civil partnership wants to think about dissolution, but a pre-civil partnership agreement can be regarded as an insurance policy should the unfortunate happen.
Unlike marriages or civil partnerships, there is no recognition in English law for cohabiting couples, so it can get messy if a relationship ends. You can help insure against this by drawing up a cohabitation or living-together agreement.
Finally, one of the most persistent urban myths is that of the ‘common-law marriage’. Living together does not give you the same rights as if you were married or in a civil partnership. If you are buying a home together or moving in to a shared home that is only in one name you should think about the financial arrangements carefully. Our solicitors are very experienced in this area and can help you and your partner draw up a property ownership agreement if you are about to move in together or are already living together.