For many couples, pre and post-nuptial agreements are often a sensible option. Our team regularly provides realistic advice to parties considering entering into such agreements and helps individuals decide the best way forward for them.

Pre-nuptial agreements are agreed upon before the marriage and are typically entered into because one party wishes to protect pre-acquired or inherited assets. They are becoming more common as a result increased financial input from parents and grandparents. Whilst the English courts may not have given much weight to pre-nuptial agreements in the past, this is changing and it is likely that the court would now follow the terms of a well-drafted, clear and fair document.

Post-nuptial agreements are conversely entered into after marriage but before a separation. They are often used by individuals who may have separated and then reconciled as the possibility of separation is live in their minds. If you have already separated and will not reconcile, you may wish to think about a separation agreement instead. As with a pre-nuptial agreement, whilst not necessarily binding, the terms of a post-nuptial agreement will be given weight by a court if a dispute arises on separation.

Each agreement is different, we know that there is no one size fits all and will effectively draft an agreement that fits your situation. Alternatively, we can provide clear and detailed advice on the contents of a document that has been drafted by your partner. Our lawyers regularly advise on financial disputes after a relationship breakdown and effectively use their expertise in this area to instruct how both pre and post-nuptial agreements should be drafted and what important elements they should contain.

Separation agreements can be used by both married and unmarried couples to govern matters such as finances, arrangements for the children, and what is going to happen to the former family home.

Whilst it is not always possible to agree on matters in all cases, it can be helpful to try and come to some form of an agreement as this enables you to retain control over how the separation progresses. We will therefore always, unless obviously not appropriate in the particular situation, explore this option with our clients.

Separation agreements are of particular use when parties do not want to or do not feel ready to divorce, but unmarried couples can also enter into such agreements. We will provide expert advice to any person wishing to consider their options.

Before entering into a civil partnership, a couple may wish to consider whether they would like a pre-civil partnership agreement which, like a pre-nuptial agreement, would govern how their finances are to be dealt with if they separate. Couples can also enter into post-civil partnership agreements if they so wish.

The law is applied to pre or post-civil partnership agreements in the same way that it would be applied to a pre or post-nuptial agreement and our lawyers will use their wide-ranging expertise to effectively advise you as to the suggested content and form of an agreement.

Each pre-civil partnership agreement is understandably different. We know that one size doesn’t fit all and we will effectively draft an agreement that deals specifically with your situation. Alternatively, we can provide clear and detailed advice on the contents of a document that has been drafted by your partner.