Marriage is a wonderful thing – it’s suggested that a happily married couple live longer! Marriage is said to be a lifelong contract between parties but what happens when things go wrong?
If someone enters into a business contract they have legal advice. That advice looks at both the benefits if it works and what should happen if it fails. Why, then when we are making the biggest commitment of our lives do we not get this advice.
True, some would say it’s unromantic; we’re in love – we don’t need a lawyer; it’s expensive to get legal advice; we’re never going to separate.
Statistics say that 2.8 of 1000 marriages will end in divorce. Divorce can be a costly business both emotionally and financially. When couples are happy together they laugh and say they would look after the other if they split up, but the reality when realising often there is not enough money to start again – particularly when there are children and perhaps one parent has not worked – then the arguments start.
Consider this. I love you enough to consider the worst and to plan for a way forward for us and our family if that were to happen. Yes, there will be a financial cost to both parties, but I can guarantee it will be significantly less than the cost of a messy divorce both financially and emotionally. Indeed, given that most marriage break ups are caused by financial mistrust it could be the very thing to protect your marriage.
If this is a second marriage where a party has assets from a prior marriage, then it’s even more appropriate.
Need advice? Newnham & Jordan’s family team have over 20 years’ experience in this area. Free initial appointments.
Why not check out the National Marriage Week website.
This article is intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. Newnham & Jordan Solicitors cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article or any external articles it may refer or link to.
