You might not expect to find a family law solicitor discussing love. After all, I don’t usually deal in wedding dresses or honeymoon hotspots. My world is about the quiet, often complex structures that underpin a life together and sometimes, how that life comes undone.
But here’s the thing. The most enduring love stories are built not just on passion and romance, but on understanding, communication and yes, practical planning.
As a solicitor specialising in family law in England and Wales, I’ve helped couples navigate prenuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements and the delicate realities of separation. What I’ve learned is this: the law isn’t the enemy of love. It’s one of its greatest allies.
Marriage and Myth-Busting
First, let’s tackle one of the biggest myths in modern relationships. The idea of the “common law marriage.” Despite widespread belief, there is no such thing in English law. If you're living together without marrying or entering a civil partnership, you don’t automatically gain legal rights over your partner’s property, pension, or inheritance.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been together for two years or twenty. If you want legal protection, you need to put it in writing. That’s where cohabitation agreements come into play. They may not sound romantic, but they can prevent a world of heartache down the line.
Prenups Aren’t Just for Celebrities
Another topic I find myself demystifying regularly is the law surrounding prenuptial agreements. Often seen as unromantic or only for the super-rich, “prenups” are actually about transparency and trust. They’re a way for couples to communicate openly about finances, responsibilities, and expectations before tying the knot.
In England and Wales, while prenups aren’t legally binding, courts are increasingly giving them significant weight, especially if they’re fair, signed well in advance of the wedding and both parties had independent legal advice.
Think of it as future proofing your relationship. It’s not a prediction of failure, but a sign of mutual respect.
Love and Legacy
One of the most overlooked elements in many relationships is estate planning. When we’re in love, it’s natural to focus on building a life together but what happens if tragedy strikes?
Making a will, discussing life insurance, or understanding how property ownership is structured (joint tenants vs tenants in common) might feel morbid, but they’re acts of love in themselves. They ensure your partner is protected and your wishes are clear.
When Love Gets Tough
No one enters a relationship planning for its end. But relationships change and people evolve. Sometimes that means parting ways. And while separation and divorce are emotionally fraught, they don’t have to be bitter or destructive.
As a family law solicitor, my role is to guide people through these transitions with compassion and clarity. Mediation, collaborative law and respectful negotiation can help couples separate in a way that honours the relationship they once had, which is especially important when children are involved.
Final Thoughts: The Law as a Love Language
Legal planning might not be the stuff of fairytales, but it’s a powerful way to nurture a partnership. At its core, it’s about honesty, care and protecting each other. Values that lie at the heart of any lasting love story.
So, whether you’re moving in together, walking down the aisle, or simply planning a shared future, don’t shy away from the legal conversations. Consider them part of your love language. Because true romance isn’t just about candlelit dinners and weekend getaways. It’s also about the quiet, considered decisions that help a relationship thrive for years to come.
