The Pursuit Of Happiness
Summer is traditionally the wedding season and as the South West gears up to welcome a new influx of prospective blushing brides and grooms it’s a good time to think about the best way to plan your future – so you really can live happily ever after.
As society changes, our images of ‘family life’ evolve. It is no longer unusual for couples to get divorced and the South West has one of the highest rates of second marriage.
This has meant that second families with an extensive network of step-relations is on the increase with the nuclear family of mother, father and 2.4 children becoming less and less representative of the ‘norm’.
Advances in science and social attitudes have enabled all couples, whatever their sexual orientation, to adopt and foster children as well as explore the possibilities of childbearing through IVF, sperm donation or other assisted methods.
The expansion of choices and options have made it easier to live our lives how we want to, but with the tales of economic doom and a gloomy housing market, it is worth keeping one metaphorical foot on the floor and considering how to give your future some extra protection:
- If you’re thinking about becoming civil partners or getting married, have an honest chat with each other about whether you would like to sign a pre-nup. It isn’t mercenary – it’s just being practical in the modern world. It’s much easier to agree now, while you still like each other!
- There may be some housing bargains around in the next few years; if you decide to buy a house together make sure you consider how you want to own it. If one of you is contributing more to the purchase price than the other, think about having a Declaration of Trust drawn up.
- Having children is a huge step to make together. If you are ready to start a family but think that for whatever reason you are unlikely to have a conventional conception then don’t be afraid to consider options such as sperm or egg donation, surrogacy, fostering or adoption. It can be a long process so the sooner you know your options, the better.
- Whilst you can’t choose your next of kin, you can appoint someone else to make decisions about your healthcare or financial matters on your behalf if you are unable to. A Lasting Power of Attorney can authorise your partner to make those decisions and you can specify in advance what you would like them to do.
- Don’t forget to look after each other’s future by making a Will – not only will it mean you can appoint who will administer your estate and who will receive it, but you may also be able to save some inheritance tax as well as giving your partner some help in avoiding care home fees in the future.
If you would like more information or advice on any of these issues please contact our specialist Living Together team on 0845 140 0025, email livingtogether@foot-ansteys.co.uk or visit www.livingtogether.biz
Published 24/06/2008. The author of this article is Tamara Richardson
