Pre-Nuptial Agreements, Statutory Declarations and Change of Name Deeds
Family Law Solicitors Manchester
At TM Fortis Solicitors, our experienced family law solicitors provide advice and assistance on a range of legal matters relating to marriage, personal status and family arrangements.
We regularly assist clients with:
- Pre-Nuptial Agreements
- Post-Nuptial Agreements
- Statutory Declarations for marriage abroad
- Change of Name Deeds (Deed Polls)
Our family law solicitors provide clear advice and efficient preparation of the required documents to ensure that your legal arrangements are properly recorded.
Pre-Nuptial Agreements
A Pre-Nuptial Agreement (often referred to as a “prenup”) is a legal agreement entered into before marriage that sets out how a couple’s finances and assets will be dealt with if the marriage later breaks down.
Pre-nuptial agreements are becoming increasingly common in England and Wales, particularly where individuals wish to protect assets acquired before marriage or safeguard family wealth.
Although pre-nuptial agreements are not automatically legally binding under English law, the courts will often take them into account where they have been properly prepared and both parties have entered into the agreement freely.
Why Consider a Pre-Nuptial Agreement?
A pre-nuptial agreement can provide clarity and certainty regarding financial matters in the event of separation or divorce.
Common reasons for entering into a pre-nuptial agreement include:
- Protecting assets owned before marriage
- Safeguarding family businesses or investments
- Protecting inheritance or family wealth
- Clarifying financial expectations between partners
- Avoiding disputes in the event of divorce
Pre-nuptial agreements are particularly useful where one party has significantly greater assets or where either party has children from a previous relationship.
What Can Be Included in a Pre-Nuptial Agreement?
Pre-nuptial agreements can address a range of financial matters, including:
- Ownership of property
- Division of savings and investments
- Treatment of pensions
- Business interests
- Financial responsibilities during the marriage
- Financial arrangements in the event of divorce
The agreement can also address how assets acquired during the marriage should be divided if the relationship later ends.
Post-Nuptial Agreements
In some cases, couples may wish to make financial arrangements after they have already married.
A Post-Nuptial Agreement operates in a similar way to a pre-nuptial agreement but is entered into after the marriage has taken place.
Post-nuptial agreements may be useful where:
- Financial circumstances change after marriage
- A couple wishes to clarify financial arrangements
- Assets are acquired after marriage that require protection
Our family law solicitors can advise you on whether a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement is appropriate for your circumstances.
Statutory Declarations for Marriage Abroad
If you are planning to get married outside the United Kingdom, the authorities in the country where the marriage will take place may require a Statutory Declaration confirming your marital status.
A statutory declaration is a formal legal document that confirms certain facts, such as:
- That you are free to marry
- Your current marital status
- That you are not currently married or in a civil partnership
This document must usually be signed in the presence of a solicitor or commissioner for oaths.
Our solicitors can prepare and witness statutory declarations required for marriage abroad, ensuring that the document complies with the relevant legal requirements.
Change of Name Deeds (Deed Polls)
Individuals may wish to legally change their name for a variety of reasons, including:
- Marriage or divorce
- Personal preference
- Cultural or religious reasons
- Aligning a child’s surname with a parent’s surname
A Change of Name Deed, often referred to as a Deed Poll, is the legal document used to formally record a change of name.
Once a deed poll has been prepared, it can be used to update official records including:
- Passports
- Driving licences
- Bank accounts
- Educational records
- Employment records
Our family law solicitors can prepare Change of Name Deeds at a fixed price, ensuring that the document is properly drafted and legally valid.
Changing a Child’s Name
Changing the name of a child can involve additional legal considerations.
In most cases, the consent of all individuals with parental responsibility will be required before a child’s name can be changed.
If agreement cannot be reached between parents, it may be necessary to apply to the Family Court for permission.
Our family law solicitors can advise you on:
- The legal requirements for changing a child’s name
- Obtaining consent from those with parental responsibility
- Court applications where consent is refused
How TM Fortis Solicitors Can Help
Our family law solicitors provide practical advice and assistance in relation to a wide range of family law matters including:
- Drafting Pre-Nuptial Agreements
- Preparing Post-Nuptial Agreements
- Preparing Statutory Declarations for marriage abroad
- Drafting Change of Name Deeds (Deed Polls)
- Advice regarding changing a child’s name
We aim to provide clear and efficient legal support tailored to your individual circumstances.
Contact Our Family Law Solicitors
If you require advice regarding pre-nuptial agreements, statutory declarations or change of name deeds, our experienced family law solicitors at TM Fortis Solicitors in Manchester are here to assist you.
Contact TM Fortis Solicitors today on 0161 220 6040 to arrange an initial consultation and discuss your circumstances.
