15/06/2026
Pre-nuptial agreements have something of an image problem.
Mention them and most people picture celebrity divorces, vast inherited fortunes and lawyers hovering over a romantic proposal. The reality is considerably more straightforward - and more relevant to more people than you might think.
A pre-nuptial agreement is simply a document that sets out, in advance, how assets would be divided if a marriage were to break down. It is not a sign of distrust or a prediction of failure. It is a practical conversation, had at a calm moment, about something that is genuinely difficult to discuss once things have gone wrong.
And it is not just for the very wealthy.
If you are entering a marriage with property you already own, a business you have built, savings, an inheritance you have received or expect to receive, or children from a previous relationship whose interests you want to protect - a pre-nuptial agreement is worth considering. The same applies if there is a significant disparity in assets between you and your partner, or if either of you has financial obligations that would complicate matters in the event of a separation.
Pre-nuptial agreements are not yet automatically legally binding in England and Wales, but the courts give them significant weight where both parties have taken independent legal advice, the agreement has been entered into freely, and full financial disclosure has been made.
The best time to have the conversation is well before the wedding, not as a last-minute formality, but as a considered decision made together.
If you would like to understand whether a pre-nuptial agreement might be right for your circumstances, our family law team would be happy to have an initial conversation. https://bit.ly/48d9XUb