Couples discuss pre-marital agreements with family law solicitors

May 4, 2012 - PRLog -- Summer is well established as the wedding season, thanks in part to the increased likelihood of good weather, and pre-marital agreements have grown in prominence here in the UK. While they are not considered legally valid in England and Wales, they can have a bearing and The Law Commission is due to review the status in 2012.

Commenting on pre-marital agreements, a spokesperson for the family law solicitors said: "Despite their current legal status, agreements of this nature can be very persuasive evidence in financial proceedings. If both parties sought legal advice from a separate family law solicitor, pre-marital agreements may have greater significance."

It is thought that somewhere in the region of 40% of all weddings take place in the summer months – June, July and August – with many more taking place in May and September. Weightmans says that while divorce or separation is the last thing betrothed couples want to discuss, it could be an important step where an imbalance of assets exists.

"Pre-marital agreements are seen as being unromantic, so it's no surprise that many couples prefer not to have the conversation about what might happen should their impending marriage not work out the way they want," said the family law solicitors' spokesperson. "However, it can be a sensible way of protecting yourself and can give both parties a clear understanding of where they stand in separation and divorce proceedings."

While more than 200,000 people are expected to wed in 2012, an increasing number of couples are opting for cohabitation only. Weightmans has experience in helping couples to understand the legal and financial implications of their status.

In addition to helping couples about to live together, Weightmans has negotiated many settlements for people who are coming out of a cohabitation situation.

For more information about the family law solicitors at Weightmans, visit http://www.weightmans.com/services_for_individuals/family... or call 0151 243 9501.