Divorce and family law

Yes, you can. Many people want to protect future inheritance or family gifts and we can help you include that clearly in the agreement.

A prenup is signed before you marry. A postnup is signed after. Both serve the same purpose, which is to agree on what happens to your finances if things change.

It depends on how complex your finances are. We offer transparent fees and will give you a clear estimate early in the process.

The prenuptial agreement would be tailored to your own individual needs and circumstances. That is the benefit of obtaining bespoke professional advice rather than a cheap online form.  Many of our clients ask us to encompass the following matters in their agreements:

• Ownership of assets/property acquired pre/post marriage in one person’s sole name
• Ownership of assets/property in joint names
• Ring fencing any pre-marital contributions/trust related assets/business interests
• How inheritances/gifts are to be treated
• Whether any maintenance will be paid by one party upon marital breakdown and, if so, for what duration and how will that be negotiated?
• How will the interests of minor dependent children be met?
• Will pensions be shared/nomination of death in service benefits?
• Entitlement to cash savings/policies/other assets
• Cars/valuable items/contents
• How will debts be treated?
• What will happen on the death of either party?
• When will the terms of the agreement be reviewed?

Postnuptial and prenuptial agreements are increasingly worthwhile if you have assets that you want to ring-fence/protect against any future financial claims made by your spouse/civil partner. They are like an insurance policy and can also be used to protect assets likely to be received by way of future inheritance. They can also protect your interests if you are marrying or have married/entered into a civil partnership for a second or subsequent time.

Yes. It’s called a postnuptial agreement. It works in a similar way and can give you clarity at any stage in your marriage or civil partnership.

Not automatically, but courts often uphold them if they’re fair, signed in good time, and both people had legal advice. We help make sure yours ticks all the right boxes.

It applies only to divorce or civil partnership dissolutions. But if you are separating after a long relationship and have children or shared assets or have made contributions during the relationship then other options may be available.

Not always. Many people reach a financial agreement through negotiation or non-court dispute resolution, but you will still need this to be approved by a Judge. If you do need to go to court, we will guide and represent you.

Usually, each person pays their own costs. In some cases, the court may order one person to contribute to the other's fees.