Relationships2 min(s) read
Published 15:23 12 Aug 2026 GMT
A top London divorce lawyer has shared a stark piece of advice for couples preparing to get married, urging them to have honest conversations about children, money and existing relationship problems before tying the knot.
Speaking exclusively to VT, Poppy Grazebrook, one of London's leading divorce and family lawyers, has offered her insight into marriage and what couples should understand before taking the plunge.
With around 40 to 43% of marriages across the US and UK ending in divorce, Grazebrook says couples should be aware of both the emotional and financial realities of marriage.
She claimed that her advice is “not necessarily a warning”, but stressed that couples should communicate openly about major decisions and responsibilities.
“Not necessarily a warning but my advice would be to have open communication regarding children, financial responsibilities etc.”
Grazebrook also urged couples not to expect marriage to magically resolve problems that were already present in their relationship.
“Don’t assume that marriage will fix existing issues.”
However, she said there is one particular area couples should understand before getting married: the difference between legal ownership and financial entitlement.
“A warning would be to have an awareness of the difference between legal ownership and financial entitlement before getting married.”
This could be particularly significant when it comes to the family home.
Grazebrook explained that even if a property is registered solely in one person's name, that does not necessarily mean their spouse has no rights over it.
“For example, if one person owns the family home in their sole name, that doesn't necessarily mean the other spouse has no rights in relation to it.”
She said a spouse may have matrimonial home rights, while the property could also be taken into consideration as part of a wider financial settlement if the couple divorces.
“A spouse may have matrimonial home rights, and in the event of divorce and financial proceedings, the Court will consider the property as part of the wider financial settlement.”
Ultimately, Grazebrook's advice is that couples should go into marriage with their eyes open — understanding not only their relationship with each other, but also the potential legal and financial implications of becoming spouses.
