I went to see a solicitor this year before my partner and I started living together and had a co-habitation agreement drawn up. It might appear harsh to do such a thing but the purpose of this was to formally agree between ourselves that should our relationship ever end, our assets are to be divided as stated in the agreement. Having already been through one divorce, it makes sense to me to protect my assets and my son’s inheritance, particularly as Terpe rightly points out, in the event of his death, my partner’s children could make a claim against my assets.
In reality, none of us knows how a marriage will fair several years down the line, people and expectations can change. Everything might be “rosie” in the garden right now, especially when first married but how do you know, for instance, that your beloved will not find another partner or vice versa? It does happen ........... !
My advice for anyone with their head screwed on wishing to safeguard the future of their children’s inheritance is to go and seek further legal advice about a pre- nuptial agreement (if you are getting married) or a co-habitation agreement (if you intend to live together without marrying) . It could save a lot of time, money and heartache in the future. Mine cost about £400 and although a bit of a uneasy subject, my partner and I were able to laugh about it in the end.
Good luck
