Everyone loves a wedding.

However, don’t be fooled by the big white dress, the fabulous honeymoon and the expensive party with your nearest and dearest. When you get married you are entering into a legal contract. You are creating legal rights and responsibilities, and most people have no idea what these are. The contract is so ironclad, it needs a court to officially end the marriage. That court can decide what happens to your house, your pension, even your children.

Of course, people generally don’t get married with the intention of anything other than happily ever after. Sadly, the divorce rate is sitting at about 50% of marriages. It is actually quite staggering that it is not considered “normal” to get some legal advice before you tie the knot, given this statistic.

People say to me all the time during our first phone calls and meetings, I just don’t know anything about separating or divorce. This struck a note with me and I wondered what could be done to raise public awareness. This led to some emails to a selection of schools where I offered to come to speak to their Fifth and Sixth Year students about “when relationships go wrong”.

This presentation wasn’t just about marriage – only 1% of marriages in Scotland in 2018 were between people aged 16-24. However, whilst marriage might not be on the cards, many sixteen-year-olds are having serious relationships. They are likely to start co-habiting in early adulthood, which also brings its own (albeit limited) set of legal rights and responsibilities. Do most people know that by inviting their significant other to move in with them they could be potentially looking at a court claim later down the line? I expect the answer is no.

I have visited two schools so far and have been thrilled with the engagement and maturity of the students. I have been asked fascinating questions and have enjoyed excellent discussion. I can’t wait until my next talk!

If this sounds like something that would interest your school or organisation we would be delighted to come to speak to you. We believe this is relevant for anyone from aged 16 or above: to anyone who is in or is considering a committed relationship. Knowledge is power so please get in touch!

Hayley Mitchell
Senior Associate
0131 622 8477