Pre-Marital Contributions Disputes
When marriages end, dividing assets fairly often involves more than just what was acquired together. Disputes can arise over pre-marital contributions, inherited wealth, or gifts received before or during the relationship. These assets may carry personal or family significance—and individuals naturally want to protect them.
Under English law, the starting point is equality, but courts recognise that not all assets should automatically be split 50/50. Pre-marital property, inheritance, and personal gifts can sometimes be excluded from division—but only if the other party’s financial needs can be met from the rest of the matrimonial assets.
The key factors include whether the asset was kept separate, how it was used during the marriage, and whether it increased in value through joint effort. Property brought into the marriage, inherited funds, or family-held business interests may be treated differently than assets built together.
If disputes arise, it’s vital to provide documentation, financial records, and legal arguments to support your position. Advance planning tools—like prenuptial or postnuptial agreements—can also help ringfence such contributions before problems arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
They can be excluded from division—but only if the other spouse’s needs (and any children’s) can be met from marital assets. Otherwise, they may be included for fairness.
Potentially. If inherited money or gifts were kept separate and not used for joint purposes, they may be excluded. But if they were mingled into family finances or used to buy shared property, they could become part of the matrimonial pot.
Yes. Title deeds, bank records, and inheritance letters can all help trace and establish your contributions—especially if the asset pre-dates the marriage or was kept separate throughout.
What you brought into your marriage shouldn’t be forgotten in the settlement. AAGA Solicitors helps protect your pre-marital assets, trace inheritances, and ensure your contributions are fairly recognised in any financial agreement or dispute. Let’s safeguard what’s rightfully yours.