Navigating Valentine’s Day: Legal Considerations for Couples and Families

14 Feb

Written By Admin

Valentine’s Day is all about love, connection, and looking to the future with your partner. Whether you’re just starting out or have been together for years, it’s also a good time to think about how you can protect your relationship and ensure everything runs smoothly in the years ahead.

That might not sound as romantic as flowers and candlelit dinners, but having honest conversations about things like cohabitation agreements, prenuptial arrangements, and the basics of family law can actually strengthen your relationship. It’s all about being open, prepared, and making sure you’re both on the same page.

Cohabitation Agreements: Building Security Without a Ring

More couples in the UK are choosing to live together without getting married—cohabiting is now the fastest-growing family type (ONS, 2023). But what many people don’t realise is that living together doesn’t automatically give you the same legal rights as marriage.

That’s where a cohabitation agreement comes in. It’s a document that sets out things like who owns what, how bills will be split, and what happens if you break up. While it might not seem romantic to talk about, it can actually prevent misunderstandings and arguments down the line.

For instance, if one of you puts more money towards buying a house, a cohabitation agreement can make sure that’s reflected if you ever sell up. It’s not just about protecting assets—it’s about making sure you both feel secure and understood.

As family law expert Stowe (2019) puts it, “Having these conversations early can save couples a lot of heartbreak and legal expenses later on.”

Prenuptial Agreements: Combining Love and Practicality

If you’re getting married, a prenuptial agreement might be worth considering. While not exactly Valentine’s card material, a prenup can be a really sensible step, especially if one or both of you have significant assets, a business, or children from previous relationships.

A prenup is a legal agreement that sets out what happens to your assets if you were to separate. In the UK, while prenups aren’t legally binding, courts will often take them seriously if they’re fair, both partners have had independent legal advice, and they have been entered into willingly (Resolution, 2023).

Talking about a prenup isn’t about expecting the worst—it’s about being transparent and honest about your financial situation and planning for all possibilities. Think of it as part of your overall financial planning, like deciding whether to open a joint bank account or set up a savings plan.

Family Law Basics: Planning for the Future

Valentine’s Day often gets us thinking about the future, so it’s a great time to make sure everything is in place legally. Beyond cohabitation and prenuptial agreements, here are a few other things to consider:

Wills and Inheritance: If you’re not married, your partner won’t automatically inherit from you. Sorting out your will is a simple way to make sure they’re looked after (Citizens Advice, 2023).
Parental Rights: If you have kids (or are planning to), make sure you understand your legal rights and responsibilities, especially if you’re not married (GOV.UK, 2023).
Separation Agreements: No one likes to think about splitting up, but knowing what’s involved can help you feel more confident if it ever happens.

A Valentine’s Gift That Lasts

Instead of just picking up a bunch of flowers this Valentine’s Day, why not give your relationship the gift of clarity and security? Sitting down with a family law solicitor to talk about your options—whether that’s a cohabitation agreement, prenup, or something else—can be a really meaningful step towards building a stronger future together.

As The Law Society (2023) points out, “Making informed decisions now can save time, money, and stress in the future.” A little bit of planning now means you can focus on the fun, romantic side of your relationship without worrying about ‘what ifs.’

Let’s Chat

At francis george solicitor-advocate, we understand that every couple and family is unique. We’re here to help you navigate these important decisions in a friendly, supportive way. Get in touch with us today, and let’s start protecting your future together.

After all, love is best when it’s built on trust, security, and understanding—and that’s worth celebrating. ❤️

References

Citizens Advice (2023) Making a will. Available at: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk (Accessed: 9 January 2025).
GOV.UK (2023) Parental rights and responsibilities. Available at: https://www.gov.uk (Accessed: 9 January 2025).
Office for National Statistics (ONS) (2023) Families and Households in the UK. Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk (Accessed: 9 January 2025).
Resolution (2023) Prenuptial Agreements Explained. Available at: https://resolution.org.uk (Accessed: 9 January 2025).
Stowe, M. (2019) Family Law Guide. London: Stowe Family Law LLP.
The Law Society (2023) Why legal planning matters. Available at: https://www.lawsociety.org.uk (Accessed: 9 January 2025).