When people hear “prenup”, they often think of American celebrity culture, but here in the UK, more and more couples are choosing to put formal agreements in place before marriage. In our experience, a prenuptial agreement is a practical, respectful way to have open discussions about finances and future plans before tying the knot.
These conversations can be sensitive, and we completely understand why some couples might feel uncomfortable raising the topic. However, putting a prenup in place doesn’t mean you expect the relationship to fail. It means you’re taking sensible steps to protect each other, your families, and any children from previous relationships.
We’ve supported couples across Somerset who have chosen to create prenuptial agreements tailored to their circumstances, particularly where one partner brings significantly more assets into the marriage or where there are business interests involved.
What is a prenuptial agreement?
A prenuptial agreement is a legal document drawn up before marriage that sets out how assets and finances will be divided if the marriage ends. This might include property, savings, pensions, business shares, or inheritance.
While not automatically legally binding in the UK, courts do take these agreements seriously, especially where both parties received independent legal advice, full disclosure was made, and the terms are considered fair.
Why do people get prenups in the UK?
Some couples want to protect family wealth or pre-owned property. Others want to agree arrangements for children from previous relationships. For business owners, a prenup can ensure a company remains unaffected by a divorce.
We often find that prenups are especially useful where partners come into the marriage with unequal financial positions or where one partner has taken on personal or business debts the other doesn’t want to be responsible for.
Are prenups only for the wealthy?
Not at all. We’ve worked with couples from a range of financial backgrounds. The real benefit of a prenuptial agreement is the clarity it brings. It sets expectations early and can help avoid disputes later on. From our experience, this can actually strengthen relationships by reducing uncertainty.
We draft agreements tailored to your specific circumstances, and we make sure both parties are treated fairly. We’ll never use standard templates — these agreements only work if they’re carefully thought out and properly explained.
What should a prenup cover?
A typical prenuptial agreement might cover:
- Ownership of property or land
- Personal savings and pensions
- Business assets or shares
- How debts will be handled
- Inheritance or future family gifts
Every couple’s situation is different, which is why we always begin with a full discussion to understand what matters to you.