Pre-Nuptial Agreements

What is a pre-nup agreement?

A pre-nuptial agreement is a legal document which should formally prepared by an expert solicitor to maximise the prospect of being valid if you separate. If you agree to get married and decide that a pre-nuptial agreement is necessary, it should be the next thing you do.

Working with Harrogate Family Law, we can advise on all the necessary steps and information required for a pre-nuptial agreement, so it is valid and workable. This will include both parties taking independent legal advice, full disclosure of all assets, a clearly worded agreement, possible changes in circumstances during the relationship considered and a review structure to ensure the agreement remains effective.

How can we help with a prenuptial agreement?

If you already have assets of your own such as property, bank accounts, an inheritance or family commitments such as children from a previous marriage, a pre-nuptial agreement can legally set out what rights each partner has to these as they enter into a marriage. Without a pre-nuptial agreement, getting married may mean that your partner has a claim to your assets, and for whatever reason, you may not want that.

A pre-nuptial agreement will outline what rights you and your partner have to declared assets and other commitments, and what liability you have to any existing debt, if your marriage breaks down.

We also understand that some people may object to the concept of pre-nuptial agreements, in the belief that they pre-empt a relationship breakdown before there has even been a marriage. This is understandable but no-one gets married expecting it to break down. A pre-nup is simply like an insurance policy, particularly if this is not your first marriage or if you are concerned that your children might be left without your assets.