What Do You Each Bring Into the Marriage and What Will You Build Together?

Are you entering marriage with property, savings, investments or a business and wondering how those assets should be treated once you are married?

Marriage can bring together two people who have very different financial starting points.

One person may already own a home. Both may own property. There may be savings, investments, business interests or family wealth that existed long before the relationship.

From my experience as a family lawyer, understanding what each person is bringing into the marriage can be an important part of discussing your financial future together.

What Can a Pre-Nuptial Agreement Clarify?

Pre-nuptial agreements commonly distinguish between different categories of property.

This may include identifying assets you already own and considering what you both intend to build or acquire during the marriage.

An agreement can address matters such as:

• Pre-existing property

• Savings and investments

• Business interests

• Family wealth

• Income and future earnings

• How different categories of assets should be treated

The purpose is to record the financial arrangements you have considered and agreed.

What Does the Process Involve?

A properly considered pre-nuptial agreement requires openness from both people.

Financial disclosure should take place and each person should obtain their own independent legal advice.

In my experience, having those discussions early gives both people the opportunity to understand the complete financial picture and consider what arrangements are appropriate for them.

Marriage brings financial lives together in many different ways. Taking time to understand where you are both starting from can provide greater clarity about the future you intend to build.

Are you considering a pre-nuptial agreement before marriage? Elizabeth Stocker is a consultant solicitor specialising in family law and nuptial agreements. She can help you understand your options and put a considered financial framework in place.

Family Law Through Life, Relationships & Change

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