We now have the most recent figures available from the Office for National Statistics as to the number of us marrying. There were 247,372 marriages between heterosexual couples in 2014, an increase of 2.7% from 2013; but 6.2% lower than in 2012.
In 2014 the average age for hetrosexual couples marrying was 37.0 years for men, whilst for women it was 34.6 years. This represents a slight increase compared with 2013 (36.7 years for men and 34.3 years for women) and continues the overall rise recorded since the 1970s.
Perhaps most interestingly, the greatest percentage increase in marriage rates occurred amongst men and women aged 65 and over (12% and 17% respectively) while the greatest decrease was among men and women aged under 20 (20% and 11% respectively). This mirrors the experience of my Family Law team here at Farleys. In recent times we have seen a significant rise in clients over 65 seeking our advice on pre nuptial agreements as they marry, often for the second time, keen to ensure they do all they can to protect the assets they are bringing in to their marriage.
Whilst such agreements do not as yet have statutory force, the Family Court’s view of pre nuptial agreements provides couples with more certainty than ever before hence their increasing popularity.
At Farleys Solicitors we have a number of family law solicitors who have extensive experience of assisting clients with pre nuptial agreements. If you have any question regarding these kinds of agreements or any other matters relating to family law, please get in touch with us by calling 0845 287 0939 or submit your enquiry through our online contact form and we will get in touch with you.
