HOT TOPIC Local experts share their wedding wisdom TO PRE-NUP OR NOT TO PRE-NUP? My fiancé and I are tying the knot this year, I wanted to look at a pre-nup but have no idea where to start! What’s involved, what are the benefits of having one and how best do I talk to my partner about this? Victoria Cannon, partner and head of family law at Hugh James says: The excitement of planning your big day comes with many decisions, and considering a pre-nuptial agreement (pre-nup) is a practical step that many couples are now exploring. While pre-nups were once seen as only for the wealthy, they are becoming increasingly popular as a way to provide financial clarity and peace of mind; especially if you are a business owner, have inheritance or assets acquired prior to the marriage. Prenuptial agreements should be seen like car or wedding insurance, arranged in the event that something should happen, but not with the expectation that it is needed. Firstly, a pre-nuptial agreement is a legal document that sets out how your assets will be divided in the event of a divorce. At the point that you get married your assets are seen as joint matrimonial assets and in the event of a divorce all of these could be up for division. Therefore, it is important for you to consider your assets carefully and what both of you would want to happen to them if the marriage breaks down. It is also worth noting that while pre-nups aren’t automatically legally binding in England and Wales, if they are fairly drafted and meet legal guidelines, courts will generally uphold them. Bringing up a pre-nup with your fiancé can feel tricky, but it’s important to approach it positively and openly. Start the conversation early so you have plenty of time to discuss at length the details. Present it as financial planning, like a will or insurance. Reassure your partner that this isn’t about expecting a divorce but ensuring a fair agreement for you both. Seek professional advice together from a family lawyers so it doesn’t feel as intimidating. Hugh James Solicitors www.hughjames.com @HughJames THE NEW AGE OF WEDDING ITINERARIES! I’m looking to be sustainable where possible with wedding bits, and wondered if there was a way to incorporate my wedding stationery dreams and favours? I need something that feels like us but can also serve a purpose. Kate Lee, of Love-Lee Wedding Stationery by Kate Lee, says: We all reach that point in our wedding planning where we must decide on what is important to us; what is absolutely needed and what is purely aesthetic. But everyone has a budget, and it’s vital the budget is adhered to. When it comes to favours, we have to wonder, ‘is this personalised candle or shot bottle for every guest absolutely necessary?’. Whilst it’s a lovely gesture, it can become a very expensive option; so why not use an order of service as a keepsake for your guests instead? Lovelee has just launched a new product called ‘Newlywed Life’ – your very own personalised magazine! The mag includes your love story, a shout out to your wedding party, an itinerary for the day, your favourite love quote, a link to your wedding gift list, and even a chance to nominate guests for a wedding award! There’s also a fun ‘Bride and Groom Guess Who’ game for your guests to have a giggle over during the wedding breakfast. A perfect memory to hold and a wonderful keepsake for you and your guests. Love-Lee Wedding Stationery by Kate Lee www.lovelee-design.com @loveleedesigner 68
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