“The Engagement is off” – now what?

Marriage is a huge commitment and sometimes couples do not get as far as saying, ‘I do’.

It is a fact, in an ever increasing cohabiting society that, prior to an engagement, couples have spent a long time integrating their personal assets and finances in anticipation of the marriage.

The truth is that engaged couples do not enjoy the same rights as married couples. The common law marriage concept is a myth.

Therefore, legal advice must be obtained regarding what happens if separation occurs prior to marriage on a range of issues.

Some of the common questions that need to be addressed are:

1. What happens to the engagement ring?
2. What happens to any jointly or solely owned property?
3. Who will the children of the family live with and spend time with?
4. Who will keep the pets and the arrangements for their costs?

How can we help?

The Family Team at Browells can help guide you through your separation or indeed help you plan for the future. It is always our recommendation that tailored advice is given to plan for the future. It can save couples a lot of stress and costs if they take a proactive approach to obtaining legal advice from the outset of cohabitation.

The Team can be contacted on 0191 691 3418 or by email at family@browells.co.uk.