Course Contents

Introduction

Conference call to discuss your progress

Conference call to discuss

Information for your Pre-Nuptial Agreement

Providing Information

<p>A prenuptial agreement (or “prenup”) is a legal document made before marriage or civil partnership. It sets out how finances and assets would be dealt with if the relationship were to end.</p><p>While not automatically legally binding, courts in England and Wales will usually give a prenuptial agreement significant weight if it has been prepared properly. A well-drafted prenup can provide clarity, reduce future conflict, and protect assets such as property, businesses, pensions, and inheritances.</p><p>To be effective, a prenuptial agreement must be entered into freely, include full financial disclosure, be fair to both parties, and be completed well in advance of the wedding.</p><hr><h2 id="c1c1b2d1-02c3-46c9-862a-db31747d5c64" data-toc-id="c1c1b2d1-02c3-46c9-862a-db31747d5c64" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 109, 6);"><strong>Prenuptial Agreement FAQs</strong></span></h2><h3 id="14e93ec9-daf8-4e82-9f0d-45329522366c" data-toc-id="14e93ec9-daf8-4e82-9f0d-45329522366c" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 109, 6);"><strong>Are prenuptial agreements legally binding?</strong></span></h3><p>Prenuptial agreements are not strictly binding in England and Wales, but courts will generally uphold them if they are fair and properly prepared.</p><hr><h3 id="3a075b7a-8727-455d-ae2e-3a4b651b472b" data-toc-id="3a075b7a-8727-455d-ae2e-3a4b651b472b" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 109, 6);"><strong>When should a prenuptial agreement be completed?</strong></span></h3><p>Ideally, the agreement should be finalised and signed <strong>at least 28 days before the wedding</strong>. Leaving it too late can reduce the weight the court gives to the agreement.</p><hr><h3 id="296bfab1-6e6c-4a7e-a73c-deae8b8a0ac4" data-toc-id="296bfab1-6e6c-4a7e-a73c-deae8b8a0ac4" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 109, 6);"><strong>Do we both need legal advice?</strong></span></h3><p>Yes. Each party must receive <strong>independent legal advice</strong> to ensure the agreement is understood and entered into freely.</p><hr><h3 id="458d1a8f-b253-4a1d-85f8-e262a550198b" data-toc-id="458d1a8f-b253-4a1d-85f8-e262a550198b" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 109, 6);"><strong>What needs to be disclosed?</strong></span></h3><p>Both parties must provide full and honest financial disclosure, including property, savings, pensions, income, businesses, and debts.</p><hr><h3 id="a6b63fe9-4a13-4795-a3af-aff3d705df38" data-toc-id="a6b63fe9-4a13-4795-a3af-aff3d705df38" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 109, 6);"><strong>Can a prenup protect assets owned before marriage?</strong></span></h3><p>Yes. Prenuptial agreements are commonly used to protect pre-marital assets, inheritances, and business interests, provided the terms are fair.</p><hr><h3 id="c768c33a-4647-4347-a55c-95c20e7d9d6c" data-toc-id="c768c33a-4647-4347-a55c-95c20e7d9d6c" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 109, 6);"><strong>What about children?</strong></span></h3><p>The court will always prioritise the needs of any children. A prenup cannot override this, and the agreement must not leave a parent or child without reasonable provision.</p><hr><h3 id="4520c9de-4163-4383-b642-e7f7155266e6" data-toc-id="4520c9de-4163-4383-b642-e7f7155266e6" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 109, 6);"><strong>Can a prenuptial agreement be changed later?</strong></span></h3><p>Yes. It is sensible to review or update a prenuptial agreement if circumstances change, such as the birth of children or a significant change in finances.</p><hr><h3 id="5f2d0b62-de41-465b-945d-8325bf48bcc0" data-toc-id="5f2d0b62-de41-465b-945d-8325bf48bcc0" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 109, 6);"><strong>Is a prenuptial agreement only for wealthy couples?</strong></span></h3><p>No. Prenuptial agreements are useful for anyone who wants clarity and certainty about finances, regardless of wealth.</p>

Course content

Pre-Nuptial Agreement

Simon Walland