A relationship breakdown may be emotionally devastating, but often one of the most difficult and complex aspects of any relationship breakdown is unravelling the family finances.

Until relatively recently, in a marriage or civil partnership there was precious little you could do to arrange your affairs in anticipation of the rainy day of separation.  These days, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements do at least afford some shelter.

These very useful tools serve the same purpose: they provide the basis on which assets will be divided should the marriage (or civil partnership) fail.

Recent case law suggests that a properly drafted agreement is likely to influence any court asked to distribute assets and income fairly, particularly where a marriage is short and there are no children involved.

If you live together without getting married or entering a civil partnership, you can also get similar protection by entering into a co-habitation agreement.

You'll find more detail on the various options wthin this section; alternatively, please contact John Innes.