Alex Brereton & Jo Carr-West comment on pre-nuptial agreements and considerations before marriage in Tatler
Alex and Jo’s article was published in Tatler, 16 January 2025, and can be seen here.
Alex Brereton and Jo Carr-West, Partners in our Family & Relationships department, are quoted in Tatler discussing the essential steps that engaged couples should consider, from pre-nups to managing joint finances, before walking down the aisle.
Engaged over Christmas? From pre-nups to managing joint finances, here’s what the experts want you to do now
While you’re busying yourself with wedding prep, Alex suggests seeking guidance from those around you:
“Whilst we don’t always like to admit it, the real experts are those who have gone before us – and it can be hugely helpful to have an open and frank conversation with parents or other family, both to learn from their experiences and to prompt more considered thought about one’s specific circumstances (both familial and otherwise).”
He also raises the important issue of those who may be marrying a spouse with a child from a previous relationship:
“Careful and sensitive consideration should be given to the development of their relationship with their parent’s new husband or wife. What sort of practical responsibilities will they be taking on (if any), and how might this impact on the arrangements with the child’s other parent? Simply marrying someone who has minor children does not automatically generate the legal duty of parental responsibility, however in certain circumstances it could facilitate claims for child maintenance following the breakdown of the marriage, or claims against one’s death estate under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. If the intention is not to take on this level of financial responsibility, then it would be worth taking legal advice as to whether any steps ought to be taken so that it can be avoided”.
Jo advises newly engaged couples to check their Wills if they have one:
“If not, consider putting one in place, and thinking through whether there are any pensions or insurance policies that need to refer to a spouse, what tax impact there might be etc. This does not take very long to sort out, but knowing what you need to change or put in place later can stop this feeling like an administrative headache to tackle as the wedding day fast approaches.”
Read the full article here: Pre-Nups: What Newly-Engaged Couples Should Do Before Marriage (Tatler)
