Planning to Say ‘I Do’ This Year? A Leading Family Lawyer Highlights the Importance of a Prenup

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Couples preparing to walk down the aisle this year are being advised by a top family lawyer to consider a prenuptial agreement to help safeguard their financial future.

Claire Chisnall, Senior Associate at Consilia Legal, has noted a rise in enquiries about prenups over the past year as couples increasingly look to put financial protections in place before their wedding.

According to independent research by the Marriage Foundation, one in five marriages now involves a prenuptial agreement, a figure that has steadily risen over the last five decades.

While some may find it surprising that more couples are choosing prenups, it is perhaps less unexpected that 44% of those agreements involve higher-income couples.

A prenuptial agreement is a legal document signed before marriage that sets out how assets, debts, and financial responsibilities will be managed in the event of a divorce. Although nuptial agreements are not currently legally binding in the UK, courts are increasingly recognising them—provided they meet essential criteria such as fairness, full financial disclosure, and independent legal advice for both partners. The Law Commission has also recommended a change in the law to reinforce the legal standing of such agreements in the future.

Claire explains: “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.”

Prenups provide several benefits, from offering peace of mind regarding financial security to strengthening relationships by encouraging open discussions before marriage, fostering trust and understanding between partners.

Historically, prenuptial agreements were seen as something only for the ultra-wealthy, but perceptions are shifting. A recent YouGov survey found that 55% of Britons now support prenups, a significant increase from 42% in previous years. Younger couples, in particular, are more receptive, with 49% of those aged 25–34 supporting the idea, compared to just 26% of over-55s.

When planning a wedding, it is important not only to focus on the big day itself but also on the years ahead. A prenuptial agreement is not about anticipating failure but ensuring that both partners share a clear understanding of their financial future.

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.”

With attitudes evolving, it is no surprise that younger couples are leading the shift towards prenuptial agreements, moving away from traditional views in favour of a more practical and open-minded approach to relationships.

For those planning a wedding this year, now is the ideal time to explore the benefits of a prenup. Consulting a family law specialist can help couples understand their options and take steps to protect their financial future as they begin this exciting new journey together.

Consilia Legal, which recently marked its 10th anniversary, specialises in family law and has an experienced team that can assist in drafting a prenuptial agreement tailored to protect both partners’ interests.

For further details or to book a free, no-obligation consultation, visit www.consilialegal.co.uk or call 0113 322 9222.