Pre-Nup Season

For most couples, the months leading up to a wedding are filled with excitement — venues, guest lists, and honeymoon plans often dominate the conversation. But in between the romance and the logistics, it’s worth taking a moment to talk about something more practical: a prenuptial agreement.

A prenuptial agreement, or “prenup,” is a contract entered into before marriage that sets out how assets, liabilities, and financial responsibilities would be handled if the marriage were ever to end. Once seen as the preserve of the rich and famous, prenups have quietly become part of the modern wedding checklist for many educated, financially established couples and their families.

Who Is Considering a Prenuptial Agreement?

In our experience, couples now seeking prenuptial agreements come from a wide range of backgrounds. Commonly, they include:

• Professionals or business owners who have established wealth before meeting their partner.
• Individuals entering into second marriages, often wanting to protect assets that they have built up during a previous relationship or wanting to ensure that children from previous relationships are provided for.
• Couples where one partner has received or is expecting to receive an inheritance, or whether they have in interest in a family business or family trust.
• Those who simply value clear communication and fairness about finances from the start.

What’s driving this trend is not cynicism — it’s clarity. Today’s couples approach marriage with shared goals, independence, and mutual respect. A prenup can act as insurance: rarely needed, but reassuringly protective when life takes unpredictable turns.

Timing Is Everything

A prenuptial agreement must be entered into voluntarily, with both parties having had independent legal advice and full financial disclosure. English courts increasingly give weight to these agreements, but timing is crucial. To be enforceable and to remove any suggestion that the parties might be under pressure to sign, a prenup should be agreed upon well before the wedding, ideally at least 28 days in advance.

February is traditionally the month of romance with Valentine’s Day and Leap Year proposals, but it is also the perfect time for couples planning summer weddings to begin the discussion. Drafting and negotiating the terms early ensures thoughtful decisions are made without the pressure of looming wedding dates.

A Romantic Foundation for the Future

Far from being unromantic, a prenuptial agreement can strengthen a relationship. It compels open and honest communication about finances, expectations, and shared objectives — discussions that underpin a successful marriage.

If you’re planning your wedding this year, consider scheduling a conversation with a family lawyer now. At Warners, our family team can help couples create bespoke agreements that reflect both their love story and their financial reality — leaving you free to enjoy your special day with peace of mind.

For further advice about prenuptial agreements, contact our Family Law team on 01732 747900 or [email protected]

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published. We do not accept responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information in this article.