law south east 31 More couples say ’I do’ to prenups


Any celebrity wedding or divorce report is not complete without a reference to whether or not a prenuptial agreement is involved – and serves to highlight the increasing importance of these to any bride and groom


But while latest statistics reveal that people are split over whether they would sign or not there’s no doubt that they have an important place in modern married life.


“It may sound unromantic but a prenuptial agreement is a consideration that many modern couples are now making,“ according to Katy Barber from Moore Blatch Solicitors who sees an increasing number of couples before they tie the knot.


“We know that more than a third of people would sign a prenup with the 18-39 year olds the most likely to be putting these in place,’’ she added.


Catherine Zeta-Jones and Elizabeth Taylor are among British celebrities who have signed prenups, whereas Russell Brand, Guy Ritchie and Prince William decided not to.


Barber added: “When you’re planning a wedding it is never nice to think


that it might not end in ’happy ever after’ but a prenuptial agreement can allow people to have a choice over their future and can lead to greater certainty and control of financial settlements.


“Planning financial arrangements early on can save problems later on. They are especially relevant at the moment as more and more couples are now marrying at an older age, meaning they are likely to have progressed further in their careers, may have started a family and amassed property and greater personal assets.“


The average age people are now getting married in the UK stands at 36.2 years for men and 33.6 for women, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).


In stark contrast, 40 years earlier when the average age of couples getting married was almost a decade


How much do lawyers earn?


According to a survey by recruitment firm Laurence Simons, the average salary for male lawyers is £162,689. Female lawyers fare less well, with their average being ’just’ £111,293.


The bonus structure is also weighed against women lawyers, so that the overall package (pay and bonus) of a female lawyer is on average 21% less than her male counterpart.


Danice Kowalczyk, co-managing partner at Laurence Simons, commented: “The fact that men and women are being paid disproportionately within practice and in-house is a major concern for the future of the legal sector as it demonstrates the extent to which this disproportion has stretched.


“Women within law firms receiving 73% less in bonus in comparison to


Paris Smith advises on $305m deal


Paris Smith’s corporate team helped Uteron Pharma SA with its sale to Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc, a $305 million deal.


Partners Crispin Dick and Michael Moore led the team working alongside niche life sciences firm, Lawford Davies Denoon, and Uteron’s Belgian counsel to successfully conclude the sale of Uteron Pharma SA to Watson.


The transaction was governed by English law with the Paris Smith


team responsible for advising on and negotiating the main acquisition documents.


Watson paid an initial cash price of $150m (subject to adjustment) and agreed to pay up to a further $155m based on future milestone achievement for 100% of Uteron’s securities.


Uteron is developer and owner of a number of women’s health products including two potential near-term global commercial


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – MARCH 2013


younger. Figures by the ONS also reveal that, based on marriage, divorce and mortality statistics for 2010, it is estimated that 42% of marriages will end in divorce.


So what would be the procedure for entering into a prenuptial agreement? Barber provides a helpful summary below of what you can expect:


1. If you decide to complete a prenuptial agreement, you must enter into this at least 21 days before the wedding.


2. Before signing any agreement, both parties must give full financial disclosure.


3. The weaker party must not put any pressure on the stronger party.


4. Both parties must receive competent independent legal advice.


5. After the wedding, you do also have the option


a male colleague is a shocking statistic, one that will need to be addressed in the future.


“It is important to remember though that this does not mean all organisations structure their compensation in this way and there have been many positive steps taken by numerous companies to ensure equality in the workplace.“


The research is based on the responses of nearly 1,000 UK lawyers.


opportunities in contraception and infertility, and one novel oral contraceptive, projected to launch globally in 2018.


Uteron’s executive team, including co-CEO and co- founder Stijn Van Rompay and CSO and co-founder Jean- Michel Foidart, will continue to manage Uteron. Van Rompay commented: “Joining forces with Watson provides an excellent opportunity to advance our product portfolio further.“


Warner Goodman secures CQS status


Warner Goodman has secured membership to the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme, the mark of excellence for the home-buying process.


The firm underwent rigorous assessment by the Law Society in order to secure CQS status, which marks the firm out as meeting high standards in the residential conveyancing process.


Law Society president Lucy Scott- Moncrieff said the organisation introduced CQS to promote high standards in the home-buying process: “With so many different conveyancing service providers out there CQS helps home buyers and sellers seek out those that can provide a safe and efficient level of service.“


Ian Curtis, managing partner at Warner Goodman, added: “We are delighted to have secured CQS status. Buying and selling a home can be a stressful time. Choosing a solicitor to help in that process just got easier.“


www.businessmag.co.uk Katy Barber, solicitor


of entering into a post nuptial agreement, which can help reinforce and support the terms of the prenuptial agreement.


6. As further protection, it is always important to ensure your will is reviewed in light of your changing personal circumstances.


Details: Katy Barber 023-8071-8056 www.mooreblatch.com


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