LEEDS, UK. February 27th, 2025 – An expert family lawyer is advising couples to consider a prenuptial agreement before walking down the aisle this year, to help protect the financial future of each spouse.
Claire Chisnall, Senior Associate at Consilia Legal, says the firm has seen an increase in prenup enquiries over the last 12 months before a couple’s big day.
According to independent research carried out by the Marriage Foundation, one in five marriages now involve a prenup, and this number has been steadily increasing over the last 50 years.
Although it may be surprising that so many couples are now opting to sign prenups, what is less surprising is that 44% of them are among higher income couples.
A prenuptial agreement is a legal document that couples sign before marriage, outlining how their assets, debts, and financial responsibilities will be managed if they later divorce. Whilst nuptial agreements are not currently legally binding in the UK, courts are increasingly recognising prenups, provided they meet key criteria such as fairness, full financial disclosure, and independent legal advice for both parties. Additionally, the Law Commission has made a recommendation for a change in the law relating to nuptial agreements which would only strengthen the reliance upon 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 several advantages, including giving peace of mind knowing a couple’s financial interests are protected whilst also strengthening relationships from being able to have open conversations before marriage to help build trust and mutual understanding.
In the past, prenups were considered the preserve of the ultra-wealthy, but attitudes are changing. A recent YouGov survey found that 55% of Britons now support prenups, up from 42% just a few years ago, and younger couples are more open to the idea, with 49% of 25–34-year-olds supporting the concept compared to 26% of those over 55.
When planning an upcoming wedding, it’s important to not only plan for the big day but also for the years ahead. A prenuptial agreement isn’t about planning for failure; it’s about ensuring that both partners are on the same page when it comes to finances.
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.”
And it’s no surprise that younger couples are more likely to sign a prenup, as we move away from more traditional values and take a more open-minded and pragmatic approach to relationships.
If you’re getting married this year, now is the ideal time to consider a prenup. Speaking to a family law expert can help you understand your options and ensure that your financial future is protected as you embark on this exciting new chapter together.
Consilia Legal, who recently celebrated their 10th birthday, are experts in family law and their experienced team can help you to draw up the right prenuptial agreement that will protect you and your partner’s interests.
