Couples preparing for their wedding this year are being encouraged by a leading family lawyer to consider a prenuptial agreement to help protect their financial future.
Claire Chisnall, Senior Associate at Consilia Legal, has observed a rise in prenup enquiries over the past 12 months, as more couples look to secure their assets before exchanging vows.
Independent research conducted by the Marriage Foundation indicates that one in five marriages now involves a prenup, with the number steadily rising over the past 50 years.
While it may seem surprising that prenups are becoming more common, it is perhaps expected that 44% of these agreements involve high-income couples.
A prenuptial agreement is a legally recognised document signed before marriage that outlines how a couple’s assets, debts, and financial matters will be managed in the event of a divorce. While nuptial agreements are not yet legally binding in the UK, courts increasingly uphold them, provided they meet key conditions such as fairness, full financial disclosure, and independent legal advice. Additionally, the Law Commission has recommended legal changes that could further strengthen the enforceability of prenups in the future.
Claire explains: “With the wedding season fast approaching, now is the perfect time to have an open and honest discussion about financial expectations and protections. We’ve seen an increase in couples opting to sign prenuptial agreements, because of the security they bring. Not only can couples protect personal and family assets, but prenups allow parties to clarify their financial expectations, protect an individual from their partners’ debt liability, as well as ensure any inheritance intended for children from a previous relationship is protected.”
Prenups provide several key benefits, including financial security and the opportunity for couples to have open discussions about money before marriage—helping to build trust and mutual understanding.
Traditionally, prenuptial agreements were associated with the very wealthy, but attitudes are changing. A recent YouGov poll found that 55% of Britons now support prenups, up from 42% in recent years. Younger couples are particularly open to the idea, with 49% of those aged 25–34 in favour, compared to just 26% of over-55s.
When planning a wedding, couples often focus on the big day, but it is equally important to consider the years ahead. A prenuptial agreement is not about anticipating failure but ensuring both partners are aligned when it comes to financial matters.
Claire adds: “When couples say “I do” they want to start out this new chapter with openness and honesty, and whilst prenups have been considered a taboo subject in the past, there’s nothing more honest and open than discussing finances and how you both want to protect your assets in the future.
“It might feel like it’s going against the grain to be thinking about what might happen if your marriage breaks down, so we want to dispel the stereotype and show couples that a prenup isn’t about planning for failure, but about sensible and prudent consideration for your future that is based on trust and transparency.”
It is no surprise that younger couples are leading the shift towards prenuptial agreements, embracing a more pragmatic and open-minded approach to relationships.
For those preparing to tie the knot this year, now is the perfect time to consider a prenup. Consulting a family law expert can provide clarity on available options and ensure financial security as couples embark on this exciting new chapter together.
Consilia Legal, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, specialises in family law and offers expert guidance in drafting prenuptial agreements to safeguard both partners’ interests.
For more details or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, visit www.consilialegal.co.uk or call 0113 322 9222.