15
Feb 2016
Is My Marriage Recognised or Not?
I have been asked this question on a number of occasions, particularly in circumstances where there has been a religious ceremony only. It is of course extremely important to ascertain whether the marriage ceremony is recognised as that determines, in the event of a separation, whether it is necessary to issue divorce proceedings or not.
Whether or not a marriage is recognised also has a huge impact upon the financial claims that either party is able to make against the other in respect of property, capital, income and pension provisions upon separation or divorce.
The recognition of a marriage also effects the financial situation upon death. If your marriage is not recognised, even if you are not separating, you would not have an automatic claim in respect of your partner’s estate upon death if he/she died intestate (i.e without leaving a Will) as would be the case if your marriage was recognised. One way of ensuring your estate passes to whom you desire upon death, whether or not your marriage is recognised, it to make a Will.
At Chadwick Lawrence, we have a team of highly experienced and specialised solicitors in our Family & Private Client departments who are able to provide advice and assistance with regard to the above.
Whether or not your marriage is recognised unfortunately depends upon a number of issues and therefore it is not possible to provide a simple answer. However, please do not hesitate to contact our Family Department where any one of our experienced Family Solicitors would be able to assist. We also have bi-lingual solicitors in both departments who speak Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi which many of our clients have found invaluable.
- Like this ? Share with friends