Prenuptial Agreements
We are here to discuss and advise on all the possible options and outcomes for your prenuptial agreement
Prenuptial agreements are a great way to protect your family’s finances, property and assets. A well-prepared prenuptial agreement can stand up well in court and prepare married couples for the future. We can also arrange post-marital agreements to help you and your family.
What are prenuptial agreements?
A prenuptial agreement is a legally binding agreement between a couple with regards to the division of finances or assets, should the marriage end. Traditionally, prenuptial agreements were, and still are, used by wealthy people to protect their assets against potentially opportunistic partners. But today prenuptial agreements are becoming much more common as a form of protection against assets an individual may already own.
Prenuptial agreements weren’t enforceable in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. Although, recently courts have started to enforce prenuptial agreements as part of divorce proceedings. Civil partnerships can apply for prenuptial agreements and, for the most part, the same rules will apply as for married couples.
What is a postnuptial agreement?
A postnuptial agreement is very similar to a prenuptial agreement, but it can be created after you marry your partner. It’s a great way to protect assets if you didn’t think about applying for a prenuptial agreement. At London Family Solicitor we offer advice and assistance on postnuptial agreements, as well as prenuptial agreements.
Who can apply for prenuptial agreements?
Anyone who thinking of a marriage or civil partnership can apply for a prenuptial agreement. We advise anyone with significant assets to seek professional legal advice if they wish to enter into a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. A prenuptial agreement is perfect for partners bringing children from a previous marriage into a new marriage. It’s a good way to ensure they inherit any assets reserved for them, rather than your partner in addition to any will.
What are the Advantages of Hiring London Family Solicitor for Prenuptial Agreements?
You can prepare a prenuptial agreement without a solicitor – but it is strongly recommend that you instruct one. At London Family Solicitor we are always up to date on the latest prenuptial and postnuptial agreement laws, so we can offer sound advice every time. Some of the advantages of instructing London Family Solicitor for your prenuptial agreement include:
- A DIY prenuptial agreement may not be enforceable in the divorce court. Using a solicitor to provide professional legal advice ensures you avoid any legal pitfalls
- Expert knowledge at your service: At London Family Solicitor we have years of extensive knowledge in family law – including prenuptial agreements. We can advise and support you with this knowledge – meaning you will have a properly drafted and reviewed prenuptial agreement to use in court, should you need to.
DIY Prenuptial Agreements
Of course, it’s possible to draw up your own prenuptial agreement, but we advise against this. You could lose a large portion of your wealth if you haven’t taken the time to carefully draft a prenuptial agreement and take the necessary advice.
At London Family Solicitor we take all factors into account including: incomes, savings, dependent children, properties, vehicles, antiques, assets owned before the relationship, gifts and much more. We take the stress out of crafting your own prenuptial agreement with our specially tailored help and advice. It may be necessary to redraft your prenuptial agreement a few times before you both settle on the final agreement. Save time and money with London Family Solicitor today.
London Family Solicitor is always available to give you advice on your prenuptial agreement. To book your appointment give us a call on or email us at 020 3755 3151 or send an email to contact@london-family-solicitor.co.uk
What can I include on a prenuptial agreement?
It’s worth noting what information you’ll need before you come to the solicitors – it’ll save time, money and confusion in the long-run. It also gives you the opportunity to discuss the prenuptial agreement with your partner in private.
Here are the details you’ll need to include in a prenuptial agreement:
- Property you or your partner own
- Income of both partners
- Outstanding debts
- Assets purchased together
- Assets owned individually
- Assets that you had before you entered the relationship with your partner
How will a prenuptial agreement
benefit me?
There are several benefits for both partners when it comes to drawing up a prenuptial agreement. This includes:
- A great chance to resolve any existing financial disputes before the marriage.
- Clarity and peace of mind for both partners.
- Protection of family assets or property owned before the relationship.
- Children from previous relationships will rightfully inherit agreed assets and property.
- If you and your partner decided to divorce then prenuptial agreements can save time, money and stress with financial settlements.
General Hints
and Tips
Prenuptial agreements and postnuptial agreements can be a great way to ensure financial security for your family. But they should be approached with care – here’s some of our top tips when planning a prenuptial agreement:
- Be open and honest with your partner about any outstanding debts
- You should never feel under pressure or make your partner feel pressured to sign a prenuptial agreement. Always give them at least 30 days in advance of the wedding so they have time to discuss it with you.
- Don’t hide any assets – this could be used against you in court
- Be cautious about mixing pre-marital and post-marital assets.
- Be wary of coercion.