Paws for thought – why having a ‘pet-nuptial’ agreement is the ultimate preparation
Couples who have adopted a pet during the pandemic can save themselves the unnecessary heartache of losing shared pets by arranging a 'pet-nuptial' agreement in case – obviously here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we truly hope it's not the case – of future separation with their partner.
For custody of furry friends, there is currently no official legally binding measures in place for what happens to pets after a breakup.
Legally a pet is seen as an asset, and as with any assets in a divorce, ownership will be decided by the court - however having a prearranged agreement in place, commonly known as a prenuptial agreement, can assist the court to make a decision. To decide the future home of a pet during a separation, couples can include a clause in a wider prenuptial agreement regarding ownership of an animal in the same way they can for material goods, such as furniture or a TV.
Pre-nups are seen as a reflection of the parties' intentions regarding ownership of property and assets prior to marriage, and although they are not legally binding in the UK, they will be taken into consideration by the court in the event of a relationship breakdown.
Despite pets being a big part of the family, animal charities such as The Blue Cross and Kennel Club both advise against joint custody of an animal as it can be unsettling and negatively affect the animal's wellbeing. Splitting up animals who have lived together for a long time may also cause distress to animals so it's not advisable. It is suggested to appoint a primary caregiver of the animal upon adopting, with a pet-nup clause outlining who this will be and what the duty of care will entail.
Neil Remnant, head of family law at JMP Solicitors, said: "With many couples adopting pets during lockdown, it is important to implement safeguarding in case of an eventual relationship breakdown to ensure you, your family and your pet are put through the least amount of distress possible. "Once divorce proceedings begin, the custody of the pet is in the hands of the court. They will look at a number of factors such as who can best meet the animal's needs, who has the most suitable home and what is best for the animal. "A pet-nup clause can have a significant impact on any decision the court is asked to make and sets out the intentions of the parties prior to marriage. It can outline custody agreements, as well as financial responsibilities such as veterinary and grooming bills. Whilst it is not officially binding, it is certainly an influential factor in deciding what happens to your pets. "When drafting the agreement, it's important to bear in mind what would be best for the animal, and agreed primary owners must adhere to the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and agree to be responsible for caring for the animal in all eventualities."
Speed up bridal prep with Coco & Eve's newest release
Lots of brides want that perfect glow on their big day and, in the run up to your wedding there's lots to be getting on with, so anything that can be made quicker and easier is a massive plus. Coco & Eve's newest release is perfect for a busy bride-to-be. Designed to eliminate the harsh scrubbing and over-exfoliating of the skin to remove leftover tan, giving you more time to focus on those wedding prep plans that need your time and attention. This scrub removes tan in just 60 seconds and leaves the skin prepped for a fresh application.
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Free Wills Month: Six things engaged and married couples should know about writing a will
Getting married is an exciting time, with plenty to plan and look forward to. While writing a will might not be top of the wedding to-do list, it's an important step in making sure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected if the unexpected happens. Free Wills Month gives people aged 55 and over the opportunity to write or update a simple will for free with a participating solicitor in selected locations across the UK. But you don't need to wait until you're 55 to make a will. Getting married, buying a home or starting a family are all good opportunities to think about how you'd like to protect your loved ones.
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Don't Leave Your Old Pensions Behind: A Wedding-Day Financial Checklist
With National Pension Tracing Day approaching on 25th October, millions of workers across the UK could have thousands of pounds in lost pension savings from previous jobs without even knowing it. As couples prepare for their big day and build a new life together, pensions are often the last thing on the wedding planning checklist, yet they are one of the most important pieces of your shared future. According to newly published research from the Pensions Policy Institute, there are an estimated 3 million lost pension pots across the UK, holding a staggering £18.7 billion. With the average UK worker changing employers 12 times over their career, losing track of old savings has become an easy trap to fall into.
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From ‘I do’ to ‘we own’: Five tips for newlyweds getting mortgage-ready
The wedding bells have rung, the honeymoon is over and married life is getting underway. For many newlyweds, the next exciting milestone is finding a place to call their own. Whether you've been renting, living separately or staying with family before tying the knot, buying your first home together is a big step. But just as planning the perfect wedding comes with its challenges, navigating the mortgage market and getting onto the property ladder as a newly married couple can bring its own set of hurdles. Tanya Elmaz, managing director of intermediary sales at Together, shares his five top tips for newlyweds looking to make their property dreams a reality.
