Legal clarity while
it’s easy to put in place.
Legacy is SKB Law’s planning service for people who want the right arrangements in place before they’re needed — not after. It’s not about anticipating the worst. It’s about building something on solid ground.
Most disputes start with
things never written down.
What was agreed about the deposit. What was assumed about the business. What the Nikah meant in legal terms — and what it didn’t. What happens to the property if things change.
Legacy addresses those questions early — with proportionate advice and the right documents, only where they’re genuinely needed.
- Protects both parties — not just one
- Prevents costly disputes later
- Covers property, finances, and family contributions
- Proportionate — only what you actually need
- Culturally aware — including Nikah and Islamic finance
People at a moment of change
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Couples planning marriage
You’re building a life together. Legacy helps you understand what English law assumes about your finances, what a pre-nuptial agreement can protect, and how to approach those conversations clearly and without conflict.
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Couples having a Nikah
Religious marriage and English civil law do not automatically align. Legacy brings them together — protecting both parties’ expectations and ensuring your religious commitment has the legal foundation it deserves.
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Families contributing to property
Parents and family members who contribute deposits, loans, or gifts to a property purchase can find those contributions at risk without the right documentation. A declaration of trust protects everyone.
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Cohabiting couples
Living together without being married gives you fewer legal protections than many people assume. Legacy helps you understand your position and put the right arrangements in place — before you need them.
Things people get wrong
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“Common law marriage gives us the same rights as married couples.”
The reality:
There is no such thing as common law marriage in England & Wales. Cohabiting couples have very limited automatic legal rights — regardless of how long they have lived together.
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“A pre-nup isn’t enforceable in England & Wales.”
The reality:
Pre-nuptial agreements are not automatically binding, but courts give them significant weight where both parties had independent legal advice and the agreement was entered into freely. The law in this area has developed significantly.
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“We don’t need a declaration of trust — we trust each other.”
The reality:
A declaration of trust protects both parties — and family members who have contributed. Without it, contributions can be disputed or lost entirely if the relationship breaks down or the property is sold.
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“A Nikah means we’re legally married.”
The reality:
Not necessarily. A religious-only Nikah conducted in England & Wales is not legally recognised as a civil marriage. This affects your financial rights, inheritance, and ability to divorce under English law.
Legacy services
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Pre-nuptial agreements
From £1,500 +VAT
Agreed before marriage. Protects assets, clarifies expectations, and reduces uncertainty if things change. Both parties need independent legal advice for the agreement to carry weight.
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Post-nuptial agreements
From £1,500 +VAT
Agreed during marriage. Useful where circumstances have changed or where clarity is needed about financial arrangements going forward.
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Cohabitation agreements
From £1,200 +VAT
Sets out how finances, property, and contributions are managed between people who live together without being married. Particularly important where one partner owns the property.
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Declarations of trust
From £500 +VAT
Formally records how a property is owned and in what shares — particularly important where contributions differ or where family members have contributed to a purchase.
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Nikah Nama guidance
From £500 +VAT
Ensures your religious marriage document reflects your intentions clearly and is understood in the context of English law. Can be combined with a pre-nuptial agreement.
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Wills
From £350 +VAT
Ensures your assets go where you intend them to. Particularly important where family structures are complex, or where you have children from a previous relationship.
Legal Wellbeing Scan
Free AssessmentLife moves fast — moving in, getting engaged, building savings, starting a business, having children, or separating. This scan gives you a clear snapshot of your legal wellbeing across four areas.
- Takes around 8–10 minutes
- Instant Red / Amber / Green results
- Optional personalised PDF report
- No contact information needed
Common questions
Do we need this if we trust each other?
Yes. Legacy planning is for couples and families who do trust each other — that’s precisely why it’s the right time to agree things clearly. Documents protect that trust by removing future uncertainty for everyone involved.
Is this only for wealthy families?
No. Legacy is proportionate — it scales to whatever you need. Many of our clients are couples buying their first home, families contributing to a deposit, or anyone wanting clarity about a Nikah, rather than people with substantial wealth.
Is a Nikah enough legally in England & Wales?
Generally not on its own. A religious-only Nikah without civil registration is usually not a legal marriage in England & Wales. Our Nikah Nama and Legacy guidance helps couples understand what is and isn’t protected, and what to put in place.
Is it too late if we’re already married?
Not at all. Post-nuptial agreements, declarations of trust, and wills are all available after marriage. Couples often put them in place when circumstances change — a property purchase, an inheritance, or starting a business.
Do both parties need a solicitor for a pre-nuptial agreement?
Yes. For an English court to give the agreement weight, both parties must have independent legal advice. We can advise one party and refer the other to a solicitor we don’t share information with, so the advice on each side is genuinely independent.
What happens to a cohabitation agreement if we get married?
It is generally replaced by either a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement, depending on timing. We can convert and update the document so it reflects the new legal context of marriage.
Can a declaration of trust protect a family gift or loan?
Yes. A declaration of trust records exactly how money was provided — whether as a gift, loan, or shared contribution — and what protection the contributor retains. It is one of the simplest and most effective Legacy documents.
Get clarity in one hour.
A Strategy Session with SKB Law is a focused, solicitor-led meeting. You’ll leave with a clear picture of where you stand, your options, and a written action plan.