Would You Get Married At First Sight?

In recent weeks, the nation has been hooked on the return of the fan favourite (or maybe just mine!) TV show Married at First Sight.

Overview

The series follows a group of complete strangers who yes, really get married the moment they meet. What follows is a whirlwind honeymoon in an exotic location, moving in together, and, of course, all the drama that comes with it.

For most of us, it’s light entertainment and pure escapism, especially since the weddings on the show aren’t legally binding. But as a Family Law Solicitor, I can’t help drawing parallels between the “marriages” on screen and the real-life relationships our team advises on every day.

Of course, in real life, you wouldn’t walk down the aisle without knowing what your partner looks like! But in some relationships, there can still be a sense of ‘blindness’, especially when it comes to joint finances or understanding each other’s financial position.

The thought of a partner hiding money, assets, or even debts isn’t pleasant or romantic, but unfortunately, it does happen, and it’s often only uncovered during a separation.

We’re Not Just Here for the Tough Times

Contrary to popular belief, the role of a Family Solicitor isn’t just to help when things go wrong. We’re also here to support couples when things are going well, helping to keep them that way!

Nuptial Agreements

One of the main ways we do this is through pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements.

A pre-nuptial agreement (or “pre-nup”) is entered into before marriage and sets out how finances will be handled if the relationship were ever to end.

If you’re already married, don’t worry, it’s not too late! You can still create a post-nuptial agreement, which serves the same purpose but is entered into after marriage.

As part of preparing these agreements, both parties exchange financial disclosure, essentially sharing details of their financial position, so everyone understands what a fair division might look like if they were to separate.

It’s also important to keep these agreements up to date as your circumstances change, such as buying property or starting a business together.

Now, I completely understand that talking about legal agreements right after getting engaged or married might feel unromantic. But think of it as a form of insurance. You don’t take out home insurance because you expect your house to burn down, you do it for peace of mind. These agreements work in exactly the same way.

Cohabitation Agreements

Even if marriage isn’t on the cards, which is increasingly common, there are still ways to protect yourself.

A cohabitation agreement can be created for couples who live together but aren’t married. It sets out not only what would happen if you separated, but also how you’ll manage your finances day to day.

This can be especially helpful for couples moving in together for the first time. It provides clarity on who contributes what, whether towards the mortgage, rent, or household bills, and helps prevent misunderstandings down the line.

Contact Us

If you’d like advice about pre-nuptial, post-nuptial, or cohabitation agreements, or any other Family Law matter, we’re here to help.

Call us on 0800 088 6004 to speak to one of our friendly team members.