Love is Blind UK – the legal practicalities if the couples do say “I do”

Love is Blind UK recently came to Netflix. Four episodes in and there have already been highs, lows and oh such much drama. It has been reported that if the couples on Love is Blind choose to get married then their marriages are legally binding. But what about the legal practicalities in England and Wales if the couples do say “I do”?

Are the couples signing Pre-Nuptial Agreements?

We do not yet know much about the participants financial circumstances. If there is a discrepancy or one party has or is due to receive a large inheritance or has business interests they wish to protect, then they would be well advised to enter into a Pre-Nuptial Agreement. If the couples marry they will automatically have financial claims against each other in the event of a divorce, and a Pre-Nuptial Agreement could assist in protecting inheritances, business interests, etc. 

Whilst Pre-Nuptial Agreements are not currently binding as contracts in England and Wales, they do carry weight if:

1. they were properly entered into (i.e. with both parties receiving independent legal advice and understanding what they were entering into, neither party being placed under duress or undue pressure to enter into the agreement and both parties providing financial disclosure) and;
2. the terms of the agreement are reasonably fair at the time the court comes to consider the agreement.

What happens if the couples do say “I do” but the relationship then breaks down?

The couples will need to be legally married for at least 12 months before they can get divorced. 

In the event of a divorce, the couples will need to confirm that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. The divorce process was simplified and became a “no fault system” on 6 April 2022. Parties can now apply for divorce any time after the initial 12 months of marriage, either on a sole or joint basis, without having to allege that the marriage broke down irretrievably due to the other person’s unreasonable behaviour or adultery. 

Are there any circumstances in which the couples could not be legally married?

In order to marry in England and Wales, the couples will need to be:

1. aged 18 or over
2. not already married or in a civil partnership – you never know on Love is Blind!; and
3. not closely related – the rumour mill has been rife with speculation recently in relation to whether two of the contestants are in fact cousins (currently unproven). There is however no prohibition in law on marrying your cousin. 

The couples are also required to give notice at least 29 days before the wedding ceremony of their intention to legally marry, to enable time for an objection to be raised if the parties are not in fact eligible to marry.

How many of the couples will say “I do” – we should hopefully find out when the next episodes are released on 14 August.