Prenups Are Becoming More Popular – Here’s Why

Prenups Are Becoming More Popular – Here’s Why

It is safe to say that the majority of people who choose to say, “I do”, tend to do so with the intention of ‘going the distance’ and making their relationship last a lifetime. However, modern life’s increasingly unpredictable nature appears to be fuelling a rising trend among new couples who are now also choosing to put in place a safeguarding plan in the event that their marriage unfortunately does end up breaking down. Enter the prenuptial agreement or ‘prenup’.

A Rising Trend

Although prenups were once only considered the domain of celebrities and very wealthy individuals, recent trends show that they are growing in popularity across a much broader demographic. Statistics from the Marriage Foundation show that 20% of all UK marriages now include a prenup, which is a significant increase from a meagre 8% in the 1990s. This change appears to be driven by various factors including the desire to protect one’s own personal assets, foster greater peace of mind in relationships, and general evolving legal perspectives. Another contributing factor may also stem from the fact that wealthy parents are increasingly encouraging their children to opt in to prenups by using financial incentives to ensure that family fortunes are protected. For example, although a parent may not be able to force their child to sign a prenup, they may choose to make inheritance or financial gifts contingent on one being signed.

So, What Is A Prenuptial Agreement?

A prenuptial agreement is a legal document which details how the division of finances and assets will be carried out if ever a couple’s marriage dissolves or if one spouse passes away. This agreement, which is generally drawn up prior to officiating a marriage (although postnups are a thing too!), can cover a wide range of assets – including properties, savings, and other possessions – to ensure a fair distribution of them after separation. Prenups can also be used to safeguard other, more personal assets such as inheritances, pensions, and personal savings.

The Benefits Of A Prenup

Prenups are particularly practical for most couples due to a combination of the following reasons:

  1. They offer financial protection. As detailed above, prenups can help to protect a person’s individual assets so that they are retained after a relationship breaks down. This is particularly important for those who have accumulated substantial personal wealth before going into a marriage or for those who may have had a previous marriage(s) that comes with its own practical and financial entanglements. Note: Regarding the latter point, the remit of a prenup can also extend to securing children’s inheritances, which obviously comes in handy in the case of blended families.
  2. It can facilitate a more cost-effective divorce. By having a pre-determined ‘breakup’ plan in place, couples can avoid the lengthy litigation that often arises from disputes over financial and child arrangements during a divorce. This not only saves money, as legal fees can quickly amount to significant heights, but it also shortens the divorce process in its entirety.
  3. It offers greater peace of mind. The simple fact of knowing that there is a clear financial plan in place should things ever go wrong provides both partners with a sense of reassurance, which in turn reduces the stress associated with any potential financial disputes.

What Should I Do If I Want A Prenup?

There a several factors to keep in mind for couples who are considering a prenup before tying the knot. These are as follows:

  • Timing: The prenup should be completed at least 21 to 28 days before the marriage takes place.
  • Seeking Legal Advice: Both parties will also have to have obtained independent legal advice to support the agreement’s validity before it is completed.
  • Financial Disclosure: Both parties will have to disclose the details of their financial status to each other, including future inheritances, as part of the agreement.
  • A Voluntary Agreement: The prenup must of course be agreed upon freely and without any coercion from either party.
  • Fairness: Finally, the terms of the prenup should be balanced and fair without leaving one party in a financially vulnerable position.

If you are considering a prenup, it is important to remember that discussing the topic with a partner can be challenging due to the sensitive nature of finances in a relationship. However, it is crucial to foster open and honest communication in this domain and to approach the conversation calmly and with tact, clearly explaining the benefits and necessity of the agreement. Both partners should feel that their interests are fully respected and that any agreed compromises are based on a clear, mutual understanding in order to draft a valid agreement.

If you would like to explore a prenup but are unsure of what steps to take, then don’t hesitate to contact us today and book a free consultation to find out more about how we can help. Our solicitors at Grayfords have a wealth of experience in dealing with prenups, financial arrangements, and a wide range of other family matters, and can help you secure an agreement that best protects yours and your partner’s interests no matter what the future holds.

Neil Scott Graham, a Partner at Grayfords, comments as follows:  “The Courts will be reluctant to interfere with agreements entered into freely and willingly between two parties, where they have an understanding of their partner’s financial resources and a clear understanding of the effect the agreement will have upon their financial claims, and where the agreement does not give rise to any manifest unfairness.  This applies equally to prenuptial agreements, agreements entered into before a civil partnership and even postnuptial agreements entered into after the marriage.  In order to maximise the likelihood of an agreement being effective, either under the current law or in the event of any change to the statutory law in the future, it is sensible to work towards completing the agreement at least 28 days before the ceremony which means going to see a solicitor a couple of months beforehand to provide sufficient time to complete it.  Remember, if you are completing either a prenuptial agreement or a postnuptial agreement it is important to obtain specialist advice from someone such as Grayfords not only to ensure that the agreement is properly drafted but also in order to maximise the likelihood of the agreement being effective.”

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Regular Catch-up Strategies


At Grayfords, we understand the importance of developing effective strategies to achieve the desired outcomes for our clients in family law and private client law matters. That's why we prioritise regular catch-up strategies to ensure that your case is handled efficiently and aligned with your goals. 

As experienced family and private client lawyers, and strategy experts, we recognise that every case is unique and requires a tailored approach. Through regular catch-up sessions, we engage in open and collaborative discussions with our clients to gain a thorough understanding of their objectives, concerns, and preferences. These ‘catch-ups’ allow us to assess the progress of your case, identify any evolving needs or challenges, and adjust our strategies accordingly. We are also then able to put in place any personal support our clients may need should they wish to avail themselves of our coaching and therapy & mental health services at any point during their legal matter.

By maintaining regular communication, we can provide you with updates on the status of your case, share important information, and address any questions or concerns you may have. This proactive approach ensures that you are actively involved in the decision-making process and empowers you to make informed choices throughout the legal proceedings. 

Our aim is to ensure that your case is being handled in the most efficient and effective way possible. Through our regular catch-up strategies, we can evaluate the success of our current strategies, make necessary adjustments, and optimise our approach to maximise the chances of achieving a favourable outcome for you. 

At Grayfords, we value your input and understand that your goals are essential to the success of your case. Our commitment to regular catch-up strategies reflects our dedication to providing personalised and client-centered legal services. By working together, we can create a strong partnership and develop strategies that align with your vision and aspirations. 

Strategic Partnerships​


At Grayfords, we believe in the power of strategic partnerships to enhance the quality and efficiency of our legal services. We understand that legal matters often require expertise in various specialised areas, and that's why we have established strong relationships with trusted and renowned specialists in both family law, private client law, and therapy and mental health support.

Our strategic partnerships enable us to provide a streamlined and comprehensive legal service to our clients. When your case requires consultation or assistance in specific areas of the law, we have the resources and connections to quickly and efficiently engage the right experts. 

Whether it's a complex family law issue or a multifaceted private client law matter, our network of trusted specialists allows us to draw upon their knowledge and experience to provide the best possible advice and representation for our clients. These partnerships ensure that we can offer comprehensive solutions that address all aspects of your case, providing you with a holistic approach to your legal (and personal) needs. 

By collaborating with specialists in various legal fields, we can navigate intricate legal challenges more effectively, saving you time, effort, and potential complications. Our commitment to strategic partnerships means that we stay informed about the latest developments in family law and private client law, ensuring that our advice and strategies are up-to-date and relevant. 

At Grayfords, we value the importance of offering a well-rounded legal service to our clients. Our strategic partnerships enable us to tap into a wealth of expertise and resources, ultimately enhancing the quality and effectiveness of our services. You can trust that we have the necessary connections to consult with specialists whenever needed, ensuring that every aspect of your case is addressed with proficiency and efficiency while also supporting you on a personal level as needed.

Time for you


At Grayfords, we understand the value of time, and we prioritise our clients by ensuring that they receive the attention and support they need throughout their legal journey. Unlike other family law and firms, we never claim to be too busy for our clients. We believe that effective communication is essential, and our team is always accessible and responsive to your needs.

Whether you have a question, or concern, or need an update on your case, our dedicated team of family law and private client law experts will be readily available to assist you. We go the extra mile to ensure that you can reach us conveniently and promptly. You can count on us to answer your calls or reply to your messages on platforms like WhatsApp, enabling efficient and effective communication.

Our commitment to internal collaboration and dynamism ensures that there is always someone available to address your family law or private client law case. We understand that legal matters can be time-sensitive, and we strive to provide timely and accurate advice. You can rely on our team's collective knowledge and expertise to guide you through the complexities of family law and private client law.

At Grayfords, we recognise that your time is valuable, and we respect that by being responsive, accessible, and dedicated to your case. We prioritise open and transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way. You can trust that we will dedicate the necessary time and attention to your legal matters, ensuring that you feel supported and well taken care of.

Specialised Service


At Grayfords, we offer a specialised range of services across both family law and private client law, tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. With a focus on honesty, empathy, and pragmatism, we provide reliable legal advice that is designed to help our clients achieve success in their legal matters. 

In the realm of family law, we understand the emotional challenges that can arise during sensitive family disputes. Our team of experienced family law solicitors provides compassionate support and guidance throughout the process. Whether you are going through a divorce, child custody battle, or dealing with complex property division, we have the expertise to navigate these intricate matters while prioritising your best interests. 

In the field of private client law, we recognise the complexities and demands that business owners and HNWIs face in today's dynamic marketplace. Our private client law services encompass a wide range of areas including wealth planning, asset management, trusts, wills, probate, and lasting powers of attorney. We aim to be your trusted legal partner, offering strategic advice and solutions that align with your commercial objectives as you navigate your family matter. 

At Grayfords, we believe in fostering long-term exceptional working relationships with our clients. Our dedicated team goes above and beyond to understand your unique circumstances and provide tailored legal solutions that anticipate your individual needs. We pride ourselves on delivering an outstanding personal service level, ensuring that you feel supported and informed throughout your legal journey.  

Our ultimate goal is to alleviate the pressure and stress often associated with legal matters. We are committed to guiding you through the complexities of family law and private client law, allowing you to focus on what matters most to you. Trust Grayfords to provide you with the specialised legal services you deserve, backed by our expertise, integrity, and dedication to your success.