header-logo header-logo

Paper, scissors, stone

07 August 2015 / Margaret Hatwood
Issue: 7664 / Categories: Features , Family
printer mail-detail
nlj_7664_hatwwod

Marry in haste (sign a post-nup) & repent at leisure, says Margaret Hatwood

The recent case of Hopkins v Hopkins [2015] EWHC 812 (Fam), [2015] All ER (D) 85 (Apr) underlines the importance of not signing a pre- or post-nuptial agreement unless you are sure that you wish to be bound by its terms.

Pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreements (NAs) in England and Wales are not automatically binding, however, there has been movement over recent years for the courts in determining financial issues between divorcing couples to hold the couple bound by NAs subject to certain safeguards. Chief of which are a full and frank financial disclosure at the time the agreement is signed, independent good quality legal advice, lack of duress or improper pressure. Indeed since the case of Radmacher v Granatino [2010] UKSC 42, [2011] 1 All ER 373 nuptial agreements have been upheld if it would not be unfair to do so.

Radmacher: a summary of the findings

The Supreme Court in Radmacher said: “If a…nuptial agreement…is to carry full weight both

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—trainee cohort

Birketts—trainee cohort

Firm welcomes new cohort of 29 trainee solicitors for 2025

Keoghs—four appointments

Keoghs—four appointments

Four partner hires expand legal expertise in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
The Court of Protection has ruled in Macpherson v Sunderland City Council that capacity must be presumed unless clearly rebutted. In this week's NLJ, Sam Karim KC and Sophie Hurst of Kings Chambers dissect the judgment and set out practical guidance for advisers faced with issues relating to retrospective capacity and/or assessments without an examination
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
back-to-top-scroll