Wedding Season – a legal checklist for couples.

For many, wedding season is in full swing and, as the big day approaches, there are a number of things to consider. Aside from the usual wedding planning, couples should also consider the formalities of marriage, for example, concerning property, finances, debts and estate planning. 

Property

Couples should discuss how they will own property moving forwards.  For example, if couples own property in their sole names, they should discuss whether the ownership of the property is to remain unchanged once they are married or whether it is intended to jointly own it. 

Pre-Nuptial Agreements 

Couples may consider whether a nuptial agreement would be an appropriate means of providing some surety for the future with regard to finances. Pre or post-nuptial agreements may be appropriate if parties have significant pre-marital assets, or where there are children outside of the marriage. 

Similarly, couples should discuss how debts incurred prior to and after marriage will be managed, noting that joint debts can impact on credit ratings. 

Estate Planning  

Last but not least, parties should consider future estate planning, and make arrangements to update their wills following marriage, or consider making a will once married should they not already have one in place. 

For more information or assistance, please contact myself Lesleyanne Peat here or a member of our Family Law Team.