If you are getting married and want to protect your personal assets (including property), business, or other financial interests, a Prenuptial Agreement can offer clarity and peace of mind. At Reeds Solicitors we provide practical, caring, and trustworthy legal support for drafting Prenuptial Agreements for couples in England and Wales. We help you ask the right questions, such as “how do I protect business assets in a future divorce” or “can I keep my home from becoming matrimonial property”.
A Prenuptial Agreement is a written contract made before marriage setting out how assets and liabilities will be divided if the marriage ends. While they are not automatically legally binding in England and Wales, courts often uphold them if both parties received independent legal advice, freely entered into the agreement, provided full financial disclosure, signed at least 28 days before the wedding, and the terms are fair.
Our Family Law Solicitors will guide you through each stage of the Prenuptial Agreement process. We explain what counts as full financial disclosure, how fairness is assessed by the court, and what terms need to consider likely future needs (especially if you plan to have a family). We tailor each agreement to your circumstances, whether you own a business, hold inherited property, or have children from a previous relationship.
We recognise that discussing finances before marriage can feel awkward or emotional. Our approach is empathetic and nonjudgemental. We help couples talk about things related to the agreement constructively and draft a document that reflects both parties’ intentions and safeguards everyone’s future.
If you are searching for phrases like “prenup to protect business assets UK” or “prenuptial agreement fair terms England and Wales”, we provide practical, plainspoken advice rooted in experience and legal knowledge. Our solicitors include accredited Resolution members and have supported countless clients in drafting enforceable agreements.
Choosing Reeds means choosing expertise coupled with genuine empathy. We prepare your agreement carefully and honestly, helping you minimise the chance of future disputes happening.
Reach out through our website contact page, call 0333 240 7373, or email [email protected].
How we can help
- Unparalleled Expertise: Our Family Law and Care Proceedings team include accredited members of the Law Society’s Children’s Panel and members of Resolution. All have extensive experience and expertise in family matters, with some having contributed to books and articles on the subject. Our Care Proceedings Solicitors are instructed by members of the public, professional agencies such as CAFCASS, and Local Authorities.
- Care and compassion: We will be firm when it comes to protecting your rights, the best interests of your children, and achieving the best outcome. But we believe family law is ultimately about people and understanding how devasting and emotional matters such as divorce, care proceedings, and child abduction can be. You are never just a client number to us; we will be there to support you and give you legal advice and representation you can trust.
- Fast acting and proactive: Some family law matters, such as getting Non-Molestation Orders and Port Orders for potential child abductions, require speed and tenacity to ensure you are protected. We know how the Court system works and have robust relationships with Local Authorities and the Police. Our Divorce Solicitors are familiar with common tactics used to stall financial settlement proceedings, especially in international and high-net-worth divorces. They will proactively enact strategies to ensure your case keeps moving forward.
- Comprehensive Services: Our Family Law Solicitors can help you with a full range of family matters, including but not limited to divorce, high net worth divorce, children’s law, care proceedings and PLO meetings, child abduction, Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders, and more. Regardless of how complicated your case is, we can provide the expertise and experience you need.
- Confidentiality and Discretion: Family law matters, especially those involving high net worth divorce and children, can be extremely sensitive. Rest assured, all discussions and information shared with our team are strictly confidential. Your privacy and reputation are paramount to us.
Pre-nuptial Agreement FAQs
What is a prenuptial agreement and why do people make one?
A prenuptial agreement is a written contract made by a couple before marriage. It sets out how assets and finances will be handled if the marriage ends. People use them to protect inherited wealth, business interests, or to clarify arrangements for children from previous relationships.
Are prenuptial agreements legally binding?
In England and Wales, prenuptial agreements are not automatically binding, but the courts will usually uphold them if certain conditions are met. These include free agreement, legal advice, financial disclosure, and fairness. The agreement must not prejudice the reasonable needs of either party or any children.
What makes a prenuptial agreement more likely to be upheld in court?
The agreement should be signed at least 28 days before the wedding. Both parties must understand the terms and have received independent legal advice. Financial information must be exchanged fully and honestly. The agreement should reflect both parties’ circumstances and be reviewed if major life events occur.
However, case law makes clear that even if all the formalities are met, the court will not uphold a Prenuptial Agreement that is unfair to one spouse.
Can we make changes to a prenuptial agreement after marriage?
Yes, you can enter into a postnuptial agreement, which works in the same way but is signed after the marriage has taken place. It can update or replace a prenup and is often used after children are born or financial situations change.
What if we divorce and there is a prenuptial agreement?
The court will look at the prenup during financial proceedings. If it meets the fairness criteria and reflects both parties’ intentions, the court is likely to follow it. However, it will also consider any changes in circumstances and whether the needs of both parties are properly addressed.
To find out how we can help you draft and negotiate a Prenuptial Agreement, please go to our website contact page, call 0333 240 7373, or email [email protected].