What Would I Put in a Prenuptial Agreement?

The prenuptial agreement would be tailored to your own individual needs and circumstances. That is the benefit of obtaining bespoke professional advice rather than a cheap online form. Many of our clients ask us to encompass the following matters in their agreements:Ownership of assets/property acquired pre/post marriage in one person’s sole nameOwnership of assets/property in joint namesRing fencing any pre-marital contributions/trust related assets/business interestsHow inheritances/gifts are to be treatedWhether any maintenance will be paid by one party upon marital breakdown and, if so, for what duration and how will that be negotiated?How will the interests of minor dependent children be met?Will pensions be shared/nomination of death in service benefits?Entitlement to cash savings/policies/other assetsCars/valuable items/contentsHow will debts be treated?What will happen on the death of either party?When will the terms of the agreement be reviewed?

Prenuptial Agreements & Postnuptial Agreements

Looking to protect your assets and plan fairly for the future?

We help couples create clear, legally-sound prenuptial agreements and postnuptial agreements.

Whether you are planning to marry or already have, we will guide you with expert advice that puts your needs and peace of mind first.

Start your conversation with a family law expert today

Plan with Confidence and Care with Prenuptial Agreements

If you are worried about protecting your home or business, or your children’s future then you are not alone. We help individuals across Leeds and Yorkshire, as well as nationally, to create fair, transparent prenuptial and postnuptial agreements that put your peace of mind first.

Few of us want to use a Solicitor, it's a service for which life events find us seeking their help. However, Harriet was fabulous throughout. I wouldn't hesitate in thoroughly recommending Winston Solictors.

Tim, Leeds

What Is a Prenuptial Agreement?

A prenuptial agreement (or prenup) is a written agreement made before you get married or enter a civil partnership. It sets out what will happen to your assets and finances if the relationship breaks down later.

Prenuptial agreements are not just for the wealthy - they are for anyone who wants clarity, security, and fairness.

What Is a Postnuptial Agreement?

A postnuptial agreement is similar, but it’s made after you’re already married or in a civil partnership. It can update your plans as life changes. For example, when you are planning to buy a house, potentially inheriting or being gifted money, or having children.

Why Couples Choose a Prenup or Postnup

People across Leeds, Yorkshire and nationally come to us for all sorts of reasons, including:

Protecting a family business
Safeguarding children from previous relationships
Keeping property or savings separate
Clarifying what’s joint vs individual
Avoiding future disputes if things change
Prenups and postnups

A good agreement can protect both people, not just financially, but emotionally too.

Teresa Davidson, Head of Family Law at Winston Solicitors

Are Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements Binding in the UK?

They’re not automatically binding like a court order, but they are taken very seriously.
Courts will usually uphold prenuptial and postnuptial agreements if they’re fair, properly written, and follow legal safeguards.

We will make sure your agreement:

Is entered into well before the wedding or civil partnership (at least 4 weeks, so plan much earlier)
Is backed by independent legal advice
Includes full financial disclosure
Has review points built in for life changes if needed

What Can You Include in a Prenup or Postnup?

Every agreement is bespoke, but here are common examples:

Who owns pre-marital property
What happens to joint savings or debts
Whether you’ll share pensions
How gifts and inheritance are treated
What happens to cars and valuables
How business shares will be treated
What kind of maintenance or support might apply
Provisions for children’s needs
Plans for reviewing or updating the agreement

You decide what matters and we will guide you through it with clear, personal advice.

How to Create a Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement

Speak with a family law solicitor
Book a free, no-obligation call with our team in Leeds.
Share your financial picture
We’ll help you prepare full financial disclosure. It’s a vital part of making the agreement fair.
Draft your agreement
Your solicitor will prepare a tailored prenup or postnup based on your needs and values.
Independent legal review
Your partner will also need their own legal advice to keep things fair and enforceable.
Sign in good time
For prenups, aim to sign at least 4 weeks before the wedding or civil partnership.

Ready to Protect Your Future?

Whether you are planning ahead or adjusting after marriage, a well-drafted agreement can reduce stress, protect your loved ones, and give you both peace of mind.

Winston Solicitors will support you every step of the way with clear advice, local understanding, and over 3,000 five-star reviews to back it up.

Call us on 0113 320 5000 or email family@winstonsolicitors.co.uk.

Very happy with Winston's solicitors, I was able to be seen at very short notice which helped me out a lot, felt reassured with the short time I spent there, Hannah was very helpful and listened thoroughly to gain an understanding of what I was dealing with, I wouldn't hesitate to use again in the future if necessary.

Richard, Barwick in Elmet, Leeds

FAQs

Not automatically, but courts often uphold them if they’re fair, signed in good time, and both people had legal advice. We help make sure yours ticks all the right boxes.

Yes. It’s called a postnuptial agreement. It works in a similar way and can give you clarity at any stage in your marriage or civil partnership.

Postnuptial and prenuptial agreements are increasingly worthwhile if you have assets that you want to ring-fence/protect against any future financial claims made by your spouse/civil partner. They are like an insurance policy and can also be used to protect assets likely to be received by way of future inheritance. They can also protect your interests if you are marrying or have married/entered into a civil partnership for a second or subsequent time.

The prenuptial agreement would be tailored to your own individual needs and circumstances. That is the benefit of obtaining bespoke professional advice rather than a cheap online form. Many of our clients ask us to encompass the following matters in their agreements:

Ownership of assets/property acquired pre/post marriage in one person’s sole name
Ownership of assets/property in joint names
Ring fencing any pre-marital contributions/trust related assets/business interests
How inheritances/gifts are to be treated
Whether any maintenance will be paid by one party upon marital breakdown and, if so, for what duration and how will that be negotiated?
How will the interests of minor dependent children be met?
Will pensions be shared/nomination of death in service benefits?
Entitlement to cash savings/policies/other assets
Cars/valuable items/contents
How will debts be treated?
What will happen on the death of either party?
When will the terms of the agreement be reviewed?

It depends on how complex your finances are. We offer transparent fees and will give you a clear estimate early in the process.

A prenup is signed before you marry. A postnup is signed after. Both serve the same purpose, which is to agree on what happens to your finances if things change.

Yes, you can. Many people want to protect future inheritance or family gifts and we can help you include that clearly in the agreement.

Yes. The rules are the same. You can make a pre- or post-civil partnership agreement to protect your assets and plan for the future.

Ideally at least 4 weeks before. The earlier the better. It helps show both parties had time and space to decide fairly.

Case Studies

Protecting Family Business Assets with a Prenuptial Agreement

The Situation

John, a successful business owner, was about to marry Emily, a teacher. John wanted to ensure that his family business, which had been in his family for generations, would remain protected in the event of a divorce.

The Challenge

The challenge was to create a Prenuptial Agreement that would protect John's business assets while also being fair to Emily and providing for her needs.

The Solution

Winston Solicitors worked closely with both parties to draft a comprehensive Prenuptial Agreement. The agreement specified that John's business assets would remain his sole property, while also ensuring that Emily would be financially secure through other assets and joint savings. The agreement also included clauses for periodic reviews to account for changes in financial circumstances such as the birth of children.

The Outcome

Both John and Emily felt the agreement was fair and equitable, providing them peace of mind as they entered into their marriage and giving certainty for the other business owners.

Navigating Second Marriages and Complex Assets

The Situation

Sarah and Mark, both in their 50s, were planning to marry. Each had children from previous marriages and significant assets, including property and retirement accounts.

The Challenge

The couple wanted to ensure that their assets would go to their respective children while also providing for each other.

The Solution

Our team at Winston Solicitors crafted a detailed Prenuptial Agreement that outlined the division of assets, including provisions for their children and future grandchildren

The Outcome

Sarah and Mark entered their marriage with a clear financial plan, ensuring a harmonious blending of their families and assets to avoid later disputes between any elements of their blended family.

Client feedback

Harriet Reid dealt with my divorce aided by her excellent assistant Judith Pearson. Both Harriet and Judith were incredibly quick to respond to any questions or concerns I had during the process. I found Harriet to be ideal for me to talk to as she was direct enough to be able to explain what was happening in "plain English" rather than "legal jargon" and to point out the actions I should and shouldn't take. The process is extremely emotive and a calm understanding advisor is essential.

Richard

I chose Winston Solicitors following a strong recommendation from a close friend, and I have been extremely impressed with the service I received throughout both my divorce proceedings and house sale.A special thank you goes to Teresa and Emily in the Family Law team, who were outstanding from start to finish. Teresa consistently kept me informed about costs and the next steps in the process, which I found incredibly reassuring during what was a very challenging time. Her knowledge, expertise, and professionalism were exceptional, and I am extremely grateful to have had her representing me throughout. Emily’s communication was excellent; she was always prompt, professional, and supportive. Together, they provided guidance and reassurance that made a difficult situation far more manageable.I would also like to thank Laura and Amanda in the Conveyancing Department for their excellent work on my house sale. Their professionalism, efficiency, and attention to detail ensured that everything progressed smoothly from beginning to end.I am genuinely grateful for the support I received from everyone involved and would highly recommend Winston Solicitors to anyone seeking expert legal advice and representation. Their dedication, communication, and client care were outstanding throughout.

Jason

During such a difficult and stressful time I found Winston Solicitors excellent. I worked with Wendy throughout my divorce she was incredible, supportive, hard working and extremely knowledgeable. No question was too silly , no problem was too great for her. I trusted her advice 100% and was more than happy to take her lead. She held my hand every step of the way and for that I will be forever grateful. I have already recommended her to others and will continue to do so. I wouldn't hesitate to use Winston Solicitors in the future

Louise

I am extremely grateful for the support and guidance I received throughout my financial consent order process.Wendy was direct, practical, and very human in her approach. She handled my matter personally, which made a huge difference. I did not feel like I was being passed between assistants or treated like just another case. I felt properly listened to and supported.This was an extremely stressful process for me, but I trusted Wendy completely. Her advice was clear and realistic, and she helped me understand what mattered and how best to move forward.The wording she used in my consent order was particularly strong. She understood my situation accurately and phrased it in a way that clearly explained the reality of the marriage and the financial arrangements. I believe this careful and intelligent wording helped the court understand the case properly and approve the order.I recommend Wendy very highly. She made a very stressful process feel less overwhelming and helped me achieve the outcome I needed.

Anna.

Very professional put me at ease straightaway very helpful I would definitely use Winston’s again and would recommend them to family and friends

Shirley

Harriet Reid went above and beyond throughout the whole process. Her patience, professionalism and impeccable handing of the matter made a stessful situation much easier to bear. Her advice was spot on at all points and the proactive approach was much appreciated. I would not hesitate to recommend Harriet and her team and cannot thank them enough for their support and guidance from start to finnish.

Lisa

Harriet dealt with my problem swiftly and efficiently. I would award her more stars if I could.

Jane

Extremely helpful, efficient & worked within extreme tight deadlines.

Ian