Prenups, from celebrity novelty to mainstream planning tool

For most of the 20th century, prenuptial agreements in the UK were seen as something for celebrities and the ultra-wealthy. That perception is changing fast, but the product hasn't kept pace with the attitude shift.

Where we are now: only 1 in 10 couples has one

Research by Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management found that just 10% of married couples in the UK have a prenuptial agreement. Among over-55s, 99% have no prenup. Among 18–34 year olds, uptake is significantly higher.

A 2024 survey by JMW Solicitors found that 48% of UK adults would consider a prenup, and 66% now see prenups as a force for good.

The awareness gap

Despite growing openness, the barriers remain real. Handelsbanken found that 42% of those who would consider a prenup cited lack of knowledge about the process as a barrier. And cost, a formal prenup with two solicitors typically costs £2,000–£10,000, puts it out of reach for most couples.

The legal position in England & Wales

Prenuptial agreements are not automatically legally binding in England and Wales, a court retains discretion. However, since Radmacher v Granatino (2010), courts have given prenups significant weight where both parties had independent legal advice, made full financial disclosure, and signed freely.

The alternative: a private financial agreement

A private financial agreement between partners doesn't carry the specific procedural requirements of a prenup, but it has its own legal standing as a contract between two competent adults. For most couples, the critical value isn't enforceability in an unlikely court battle. It's having a clear, signed, mutually acknowledged document that anchors any future negotiation. That's available to every couple, at any relationship stage, at a fraction of the cost of a formal prenup.