You’ve Planned the Wedding. Have You Talked About the Financial Life That Comes After It?

Have you planned the wedding but not yet discussed what each of you is bringing financially into the marriage?

Wedding planning involves a considerable number of decisions. The venue, the guests, the date and perhaps the home you are going to share.

Your financial arrangements may receive far less attention.

From my experience as a family lawyer, having those discussions well before the wedding can be particularly useful where either person is bringing property, savings, a business or family wealth into the marriage.

A pre-nuptial agreement provides a framework for doing that.

What Can a Pre-Nuptial Agreement Cover?

• Property you already own

• Savings and investments

• Business interests

• Family wealth

• Income and future earnings

• The distinction between property you consider individual and property you intend to share

The process also requires both people to understand the financial circumstances involved.

Financial disclosure and independent legal advice are important parts of preparing the agreement.

When Should You Start?

In my experience, these discussions should begin early.

A pre-nuptial agreement should not be something addressed immediately before the wedding. Both people need sufficient time to consider the arrangements, obtain their own advice and discuss any changes before the agreement is finalised.

The wedding may be one day, but the financial life you are building together continues long afterwards.

Are you preparing for marriage and considering whether a pre-nuptial agreement may be appropriate? Elizabeth Stocker is a consultant solicitor specialising in family law and nuptial agreements. She can guide you through the process and help ensure your arrangements are properly considered.

Family Law Through Life, Relationships & Change

Get in touch for a confidential discussion.