Planning effectively for your future…

Families have changed considerably over the last few decades, with increasingly more and more people choosing to co-habit or form a civil partnership rather than marry.

The popular belief that couples who live together without getting married automatically acquire legal rights similar to married couples, continues to thrive despite its lack of truth.
During the course of a relationship, an unmarried couple, may buy property together, have children, and make Wills in each other’s favour but, then discover they have little or no recognition or financial protection if the relationship ends.

Couples in a happy relationship are unlikely to worry very much about the law’s attitude towards them, but when a relationship ends, whether because the couple want to separate or because one of them dies, they can find themselves in a difficult situation.

At Goughs we believe that planning for all eventualities is the best way to protect your future and that of your family.

We are able to advise co-habiting couples about the options open to them and provide a level of protection by producing a Co-Habitation Agreement.

We can also assist you in the preparation of a Will, which is particularly important for co-habiting couples who wish their partner to inherit in the event of their death. Even if a couple have lived together for many years and have children they may not automatically be entitled to any of their partner’s estate if they had not made provision within a Will.

Pre-nuptial Agreements

For many people planning for a possible divorce before you get married is unthinkable. But having a pre-nuptial agreement can reduce issues in the long-term and safeguard key financial assets brought to the marriage.
Although not yet legally binding in Britain there are proposals for changes in the law, with some judges already taking pre-nuptial agreements into account when ruling on divorce settlements. At Goughs we have extensive experience in marriage planning and breakups and are well placed to offer you the most up-to-date and effective advice, protecting your interests and assets sensitively.

Civil Partnerships

In 2005 Civil Partnerships were introduced to the UK for same-sex couples. Forming a civil partnership awards gay & lesbian couples similar legal benefits and responsibilities to married couples. Similar to those entering into marriage it may be advisable for those entering into a partnership to consider what might happen if the relationship doesn’t work out.

Preparing a Pre-Civil Partnership Agreement at Goughs is a relatively straightforward procedure which gives each partner to the Partnership financial peace of mind. Similar to pre-nuptial agreements, Pre-Civil Partnership Agreements set out financial and other arrangements in case of relationship breakdown.