Six things to consider before later in life marriage
Many people are getting married later in life and older couples are getting divorced in greater numbers.
According to data from the Office for National Statistics, there has been an increase in the marriage rates for those over 65. Only 8% of those getting married were doing so for the first time.
Marrying later in life means there are more issues to navigate and often, more assets to protect. This applies to both those who are remarrying and those who are marrying at an older age, for the first time.
Marwa Hadi-Barnes explains what you need to consider.
1) Enter into a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement
If you are not yet married, it would be advisable to have a pre-nuptial agreement prepared. Pre-nuptial agreements are not formally binding. However, since the landmark case of Radmacher v Grantino in 2010, you can expect the agreement to be upheld provided it meets qualifying criteria and is entered into properly.
Marrying later in life means you are more likely to have built up financial assets. This is likely to include a property, savings and pensions. You are likely to be more financially independent and hold various assets in your own name.
If the marriage breaks down, there is more at risk. To help achieve some financial certainty, it is therefore advisable to consider entering into a pre-nuptial agreement which can protect those assets that you wish to protect. It can also specify how the finances will be dealt with in the event of marriage breakdown.
If you are already married, it is not too late to enter into a contract. You can have a post-nuptial agreement prepared which can offer the same protection.
2) Check any financial order you have in place
If you were previously married, you are likely to have a court order in place. This may have been made by consent or have been imposed on you by the court.
The order may provide that you are to receive periodical payments. This is maintenance that is payable to you as a former spouse or civil partner. It is paid to you for your benefit as to for the benefit of your children.
The maintenance to you as a former spouse/civil partner, will automatically end on your remarriage. You should factor this is when budgeting for the future. For some, this even impacts on their decision to remarry.
You may reside in a property which your former spouse/civil partner still has some form of interest in. A court order may specify that they are to receive their share in the property on your remarriage.
Cohabitation may also have an impact on maintenance or any property your former spouse/civil partner has an interest in. It is important to take advice on your order beforehand.
3) Check any pension payments
If you are widowed, you may be receiving a “survivor’s pension”. With some pension schemes, the rules provide that this is lost on remarriage. You may also lose this if you cohabit.
This depends on the type of pension scheme and it is important you take further advice.
4) Make a Will
Many of those remarrying or marrying later in life have children, whether dependant or otherwise. If you want to ensure that your children benefit from your estate in the event of your death, it is important to make a Will or review a Will if you have already made one.
If you are married already
If you do not have a Will, then the rules of intestacy will apply. Your spouse or civil partner will therefore benefit from some, if not all your estate. If you have children from a previous marriage and you wish for them to inherit your estate entirely, then you need to make a Will that provides for this.
If you do have a Will and this was made before you were married, unless it was made in contemplation of your marriage, this will be revoked. Again, the rules of intestacy will apply.
If you are not yet married
If you are not yet married, it is advisable to have a Will prepared. If you ensure this is made in contemplation of your marriage, this remains valid during your marriage.
To continue reading, Click Here