A new study by Divorce-Online has confirmed the long-suspected ‘seven-year itch’ phenomenon in marriages. The study revealed that the highest number of divorces occur at the seven-year mark. This finding supports the notion that there is indeed something noteworthy about the seven-year itch. The study also revealed that Generation X individuals are the most likely to experience divorce. With financial issues cited as the main reasons for divorce among this generation, external factors play a significant role in the breakdown of marriages. These findings dispel any misconceptions about divorce ..read more

When considering drafting a postnuptial agreement in the UK, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the legalities and potential implications involved in the process. Although it is possible to draft a postnuptial agreement without solicitors, you should be aware of the risks and potential consequences of doing so. This article examines the feasibility of drafting a postnuptial agreement independently, the key factors to consider, as well as the potential advantages and drawbacks of doing so. While the prospect of creating a self-drafted postnuptial agreement may seem appeali ..read more

How Does Divorce After 10 Years of Separation Work? Divorce is often regarded as one of life’s most stressful and financially draining experiences. The cost of divorce after 10 years of separation can vary significantly based on factors such as legal fees, division of assets, spousal support, and child maintenance. In the UK, financial settlements are assessed at the time of divorce, not at the time of separation, which means that any assets acquired or debts incurred during the period of separation can also be considered. The process may involve negotiating a financial settlement that can in ..read more

Is an Automatic Divorce After 7 Years a Myth or Reality? There’s a common misconception that after a certain period of separation, divorce in the UK becomes automatic. The question we’re often asked is “How long do you have to be separated before divorce is automatic?”. The answer to that question is, that no matter how long a couple has lived apart, they must actively start divorce proceedings for the separation to legally end in divorce. There is no such thing as an automatic divorce after a long separation. Contrary to popular belief, the UK legal system does not recognise ‘automatic divor ..read more

When moving in with a partner who owns a house or has a mortgage, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it’s essential to discuss how household expenses, including mortgage payments, will be divided. Will you contribute to the mortgage, and if so, how will this affect your equity in the property? It’s important to understand that without legal documentation, such as a cohabitation agreement or a declaration of trust, you may not be entitled to any ownership of the property, despite contributing financially. Consider the legal implications of your contributions ..read more

Embarking on the journey of homeownership with your partner is an exciting leap towards building a life together. But before you pick out paint colours and plan housewarming parties, there’s an essential item to tick off your checklist: a cohabitation agreement. Think of it as a safety net for your shared investment and relationship harmony. In this article, we’ll dive into why securing a cohabitation agreement is a smart move for any unmarried couple taking the plunge into property purchase, ensuring that your dream home doesn’t turn into a legal nightmare if the unexpected happens. What e ..read more

Pre-nuptial agreements can play a critical role in safeguarding business assets for different types of businesses such as limited companies, partnerships, and sole traders. This guide by family lawyer, Georgina Hitchens delves into how prenups can provide stability and protect business interests in the event of a divorce, offering peace of mind and security for entrepreneurs and business owners. Pre-nuptial agreements, commonly referred to as prenups, are legal contracts entered into by couples before they get married. Prenuptial marriage contracts outline the distribution of assets, includi ..read more

In an age where social media pervades every facet of our lives, publicly displaying intimate personal details, should there be a discussion among couples about setting boundaries on what is shared online? This question becomes increasingly relevant as the line between public and private life blurs in the new 24/7 digital world. Prenuptial agreements are evolving. One notable addition to them in recent times is the digital privacy clause. We explore why these clauses have become increasingly popular and their significance in modern digital relationships. In today’s interconnected world, our d ..read more

During a divorce in the UK, securing a divorce settlement is a pivotal step in resolving both parties’ financial matters, ensuring a fair financial settlement is reached. Typically, these financial settlements are designed to provide a clean break, effectively severing financial ties and aiming to be conclusive and permanent. It is widely accepted that once a financial settlement is ratified by a Consent Order, it precludes either party from making future claims on the other’s finances. However, there are exceptional circumstances under which a divorce financial settlement may be subject to ..read more

When individuals in the UK enter into a second marriage, the implications for divorce financial settlements can be complex and multifaceted. Understanding how subsequent marriages can influence the dissolution of previous ones, particularly in financial terms, is crucial for those considering remarriage. It is essential to grasp the key factors at play, such as the potential impact on spousal maintenance, asset division, and divorce pension sharing. Financial settlements in a divorce are governed by various legislations and case law precedents that take into account the matrimonial and non-m ..read more