Just got engaged? What to do next

Deciding the venue of your nuptials will be one of the first things on your mind. If you decide to marry abroad, there are additional steps you need to take. Failing to prepare your paperwork in advance is one of the most common difficulties that couples run into when they marry abroad – don’t let it happen to you!

Depending on the laws of the country, you will be required to bring along various documentation with you to get married. You might need to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment, or CNI, from the UK government, to demonstrate that there is no objection to you getting married.

One of the safest ways to check is to contact the specific registry office where you will be getting married. If you are using a travel agency to help plan the wedding, they may also be able to advise you on what documents to bring along and whether you need a solicitor to certify any of your documents.

Reviewing and creating a Will is one of the most crucial steps to protect you and your new fiancé.

Many couples do not know that as an unmarried partner, your partner may not have a say in important subjects such as your funeral arrangements. A cohabiting couple has no special legal status. This means that if the surviving partner does not jointly own the property, they may be made homeless as the property is distributed according to the rules of intestacy.

It is also not widely known that upon marriage, any existing Will is automatically revoked and void. This means that even if you are happy with your current Will, it will become void after your wedding and you should still make a new Will to ensure that your wishes will be followed if you die.

If you would like to protect your fiancé before your wedding but not recreate your Will all over again afterwards, you can create a Will in contemplation of marriage. Creating your Will in contemplation of marriage ensures that your Will won’t be revoked upon your marriage and will remain valid after your nuptials, while keeping your fiancé protected before the big day.

To find out more about creating a Will in contemplation of marriage, call our Private Client team today on 01273 604123 or email us at enquire@bbc-law.co.uk.

A pre-nuptial agreement is a formal contract entered into by a couple prior to marriage, which defines how their assets will be divided in the event of separation or divorce.

Creating a pre-nuptial agreement can provide peace of mind to both parties before entering into the serious commitment of marriage. It does not mean that a couple believes they will get divorced but solidifies the agreement between both parties and ensures that any financial expectations are understood between a couple before they marry.

If you have substantial assets or have children from a previous marriage, it makes sense to ensure you protect your wealth in a manner that is fair and reasonable. We will work with you to draft a pre-nuptial agreement that stands a solid chance of being upheld in court.

Similarly, if you have been asked to sign a pre-nuptial agreement, we can advise as to whether the document drafted is fair and advise on the future impact such an agreement could have on your finances.

If circumstances change during your marriage, you can update your agreement. This is called a post-nuptial agreement.

If you are unsure if you need a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement or would like to discuss your circumstances with a solicitor, our family law team can advise you. Call us today on 01273 604123 or email enquire@bbc-law.co.uk.