We have previously discussed nuptial agreements, including what they can specifically protect and what they need to include to be effective – Nuptial agreements.
However, one thing that we have not examined yet which we often get asked is when should I speak to my partner and getting a pre-nup, and what is the best time to contact a solicitor if I want to get one in place?
A simple internet search will usually return the fact that pre-nuptial agreements should be completed within 28 clear days of the wedding date, and this means that some people will look to only first discuss a pre-nup with their partner or contact a solicitor a week or two before this deadline. Sometimes this is on the assumption that a pre-nup is a document that can be created in a matter of minutes or that by leaving it as close as possible to the big day, that their partner will sign the same without a fuss. Leaving it this late though will almost always result in a huge amount of emotional strain and stress so close to what should be one of the happiest days of your life, leaving you trying to assemble all the necessary info and documentation for the pre-nup to be drafted whilst simultaneously handling your final wedding preparations, made only worse by your future spouse asking where this request has suddenly come from and why this is only being raised with them now.
If getting a pre-nup is something you are considering, the question of when you should speak to your intended spouse about getting one in place is a simple one; as soon as is practicable for you both. The creation of a pre-nup will require a completely honest and open discussion between both parties of their financial position and circumstances in order to be as strong as possible, and couples who have already had this discussion between themselves before starting the process inevitably find it easier to then navigate the same. Your pre-nup won’t be worth the paper it is written on if you try to hide your accounts or assets from your future spouse, or if you try to have your future spouse simply sign the same without knowing its contents, so it is better to have that conversation sooner rather than later.
As to when you should speak to a solicitor, an ideal time to look to have that first meeting is once you have a wedding date in mind, that is within the next 6-12 months. Any agreement completed longer than 12 months before the wedding and you run a risk of the agreement not reflecting your true circumstances by the time you get married, and whilst an agreement can also absolutely be completed in a shorter timeframe than 6 months before the wedding, leaving at least this length of time will allow you to complete things at a more relaxed pace, allowing you the time you need to go over the finer details of the agreement, with everything wrapped up all in good time before the last bits of wedding prep.
Consultation
If you want to discuss possibly getting a pre-nuptial agreement, John Hodge Solicitors can offer a free initial consultation. This consultation can be held in person, over the phone or online.
Free initial consultations are subject to internal checks and availability, and the information above does not constitute specific legal advice and should be treated as a guide frame only, as each individual’s circumstances are different.
Next Steps: Get in touch
If you would like to discuss your Family matter then please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of legal experts at John Hodge Solicitors, conveniently located throughout the South West, with offices in Bridgwater, Bristol, Clevedon, Wedmore, Weston-super-Mare and Yatton.
You can contact us either:
- by email
- via our website
- by calling us on 0800 097 8611
David Starkey
Kerry Graham
Andrew Campbell