A leading family lawyer is urging couples preparing for marriage this year to consider a prenuptial agreement, highlighting its importance in securing each spouse’s financial future.
Claire Chisnall, Senior Associate at Consilia Legal, has observed a growing demand for prenups over the past year, as couples increasingly seek financial clarity before their wedding day.
According to independent research by the Marriage Foundation, one in five marriages now includes a prenup, with the trend steadily rising for over 50 years.
Although it may surprise some that prenups have become more common, it is less surprising that 44% of those agreements involve higher-income couples.
A prenuptial agreement is a legal document that defines how a couple’s assets, liabilities, and financial responsibilities will be managed if they later separate. While nuptial agreements are not currently legally binding in the UK, courts are recognising them more frequently—provided they meet specific conditions such as fairness, full financial disclosure, and independent legal representation for both parties. Furthermore, the Law Commission has recommended changes to reinforce the legal standing of such agreements in the future.
Claire says: “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.”
Prenuptial agreements offer significant advantages, including peace of mind and a foundation for open financial discussions, helping to strengthen trust in relationships.
While prenups were once associated with the very wealthy, attitudes are shifting. A recent YouGov survey found that 55% of Britons now support prenuptial agreements, up from 42% just a few years ago. Younger generations are particularly in favour, with 49% of 25–34-year-olds supporting prenups, compared to just 26% of over-55s.
When planning a wedding, couples often focus on the big day itself, but it is equally important to think about long-term financial security. A prenuptial agreement is not about anticipating divorce, but rather ensuring both partners are aligned in their financial expectations.
Claire continues: “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.”
As society moves away from traditional values, younger couples are leading the way in embracing prenups as part of a practical, modern approach to marriage.
For those getting married this year, now is an ideal time to explore prenuptial agreements. Seeking advice from a family law specialist can help couples understand their options and ensure they enter marriage with financial clarity and protection.
Consilia Legal, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, has extensive expertise in family law and can assist in drafting prenuptial agreements tailored to individual needs.
For more information or to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation, visit www.consilialegal.co.uk or call 0113 322 9222.
