Expert says prenups aren't just for the rich and famous

Legal experts at Richard Nelson LLP are urging Brits to rethink who prenups are really for.

While often seen as something reserved for high-profile couples, data suggests they remain largely overlooked in everyday relationships. Just 7% of divorced Brits had a prenuptial agreement in place before separating, highlighting a significant gap between perception and reality1.

Regionally, attitudes vary. Manchester has emerged as the UK’s ‘prenup capital’, with 13% of divorced couples having one in place, compared to 8% in London and 11% in Birmingham. Meanwhile, cities including Liverpool and Southampton reported no uptake among those surveyed.

The findings suggest prenups are less about wealth and more about preparedness, yet most couples are still going without: 

More than 1 in 4 divorces (26%) cost upwards of £5,000 in legal and administrative fees.

‘Division of financial assets’ was cited as the single biggest dispute during the divorce process.

While asset division was the most common inclusion (19%), 1 in 10 couples used prenups to mandate mediation to avoid court, and 1 in 20 (5%) specifically included pet ownership responsibilities.

Gita Duggal, Consultant Solicitor at Richard Nelson LLP, explains that prenups are increasingly about protecting "real-world" interests rather than just vast fortunes:

"A prenup provides financial transparency and stability. It allows couples to ring-fence pre-marital property, protect future inheritances, and even clarify responsibility for debts like student loans. By setting these expectations early, couples can avoid the emotional and financial drain of contested court proceedings, ensuring a more amicable resolution if the marriage does break down."

"Prenups are also crucial for anyone entering a second marriage, those with children from previous relationships, or individuals marrying later in life.

According to Gita, key reasons everyday couples should consider a prenup include:

• Blended families: Safeguarding assets specifically for children from previous relationships.
• Debt protection: Ensuring one partner isn't held liable for the other’s pre-existing business or student debts.
• Small businesses: Preventing family-owned businesses from being forcibly sold or divided.
• First-time buyers: Clarifying what happens to a property when one partner has contributed the deposit and the other has not.

Find out more Family Solicitors - Family Law Advice - Richard Nelson