The idea of safeguarding against the
end of a civil partnership before it even
begins isn’t romantic but for those with
a home and assets to protect, Pre-Civil
Partnership Agreements are fast
becoming as standard as the purchase
of your wedding cake and flowers.
A Pre-Civil Partnership Agreement is not legally
binding in England and Wales. However, the recent
landmark Supreme Court case between glamorous
German heiress Katrin Radmacher and besotted groom
Nicolas Granatino highlights the importance of having
such an agreement in place.
For Katrin Radmacher, it was the ultimate test of
love. Far from being an unromantic business contract,
she insisted it was the only way she could know Nicolas
Granatino truly wanted her and not just her £100
million fortune. Granatino signed the agreement
insisting that he did not want a penny from his fiancée
whom he had met just eight months earlier in a London
nightclub.
When things went wrong, he then claimed that he
had somehow failed to notice that his bride-to-be was
one of Europe’s wealthiest women. The court upheld the
agreement. The principles of this case apply to those
who are civilly partnered and provide guidance for those
who have entered into or are contemplating a Pre-Civil
Partnership Agreement.
Here are some useful tips on how to ensure that you
are able to enjoy your special day with your financial
future intact.
1. Don’t underestimate your worth. Pre-Civil
Partnership Agreements are not just for celebrities!
2. Be clear about your assets. Work out exactly what
you have. Obtain advice from your accountant
and/or financial advisor.
3. Ensure that the lawyer you instruct is a member of
Resolution and/or a trained mediator or
collaboratively trained.
4. Work as a team with your lawyers, rather than
taking a ‘them and us’ approach.
5. Make sure you can have an open discussion, without
family members influencing negotiations.
6. Bear in mind that a Pre-Civil Partnership Agreement
will protect certain assets for the benefit of children
of a first marriage and ring-fence any future
inheritance which they should receive.
7. Think of a Pre-Civil Partnership Agreement as
providing a sound financial basis for the rest of your
relationship. All civilly partnered couples have to
make financial decisions so why not do it sooner
rather than later?
8. Try to keep emotions out of it as this will help you
reach an agreement to meet your needs.
9. Don’t assume a Pre-Civil Partnership Agreement is
expensive – it can cost as little as a pair of designer
shoes.
10. It’s better to have one than not to have one!
Lisa Kemp is an expert in all aspects of family law. If you
would like to discuss a Pre-Civil Partnership Agreement in
complete confidence with Lisa contact
lisakemp@kuits.com or call 0161 832 3434.
Don’t underestimate
your worth. Pre-Civil
Partnership
Agreements are not
just for celebrities!
pink weddings magazine 31
LegaL advice
Better safe
than sorry!
Making a Pre-Civil Partnership agreement
may be the last thing on your mind, but
it’s a worthwhile step, says
Lisa Kemp