Hello Everyone,

I have just been reading some interesting statistics.

In 2005 there were 52,400 divorces recorded in Australia.

People are now marrying when they are older. In 2005 the average age for men was 30 and in the same year for women the average age was 28 years.

The average duration of a first marriage is 14-16 years.

Despite common misconceptions in our community you are now able to sign binding agreements to protect your assets even before you marry. Most people in Australia do not sign such an agreement for their first long term de facto relationship or their first marriage unless there is significant money involved.

However, if you are entering into a new relationship or second marriage in your forties (as the statistics indicate is likely) you really should consider protecting your assets by signing a Binding Financial Agreement.

If you have any further queries please feel free to contact Nicola Watts directly at Septimus Jones & Lee on +61 3 9613 6555