Pre-nuptial agreements and post-nuptial agreements

Pre- and post-nuptial agreements are playing an increasingly important part in effective wealth and estate planning in England and internationally. Moreover, there is an increasing demand for such agreements from clients wishing to achieve certainty and fairness in the event of a divorce. The law in this area is developing rapidly and expert legal advice is essential.

Solicitors for pre- and post-nuptial agreements

In addition to assisting clients in relation to the negotiation and drafting of routine domestic pre- and post-nuptial agreements, we regularly advise on the most complex domestic and international agreements. We have an established reputation in acting for clients throughout Europe, the United States and beyond in connection with international marital agreements.

Our specialists, who are based in our offices in London, Oxford, Reading and Guildford, provide clear and objective advice to ensure that any agreement is both fair and, as far as possible, legally binding. We believe that the main purpose of a relationship agreement is to provide an element of certainty for both parties in the event of a marriage or relationship breakdown, as well as to avoid the cost and delay which can often accompany difficult court proceedings.

A friendly, approachable team with excellent technical knowledge.

We will advise on the most effective way of structuring agreements and what is permissible within each agreement.

We offer an online system that can help our clients to understand their legal position, prepare for their first meeting, and provide us with the information required to maximise the value we can deliver. We invite you to get started online.

How we help our clients

Marital agreements, including pre- and post-nuptial agreements

Enforceability and recognition of marital agreements domestically and abroad

Cohabitation/living together agreements

All other relationship agreements, including pre- and post-civil partnership agreements

Setting aside of agreements which may be unfair or unconscionable

Useful resources

FAQS – Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements

The level of commitment of the team is consistent and the fact that they are constantly on hand to give advice gives me complete confidence that they are getting things done.

The team at Penningtons Manches Cooper has provided trusted and insightful advice and has sensitively helped with some difficult decisions.

Recent work highlights

Anglo-American agreements

Advising on an Anglo-Californan agreement, including consideration of the Californan gift tax provisions.

Multi-jurisdictional reach

Acting for a family office in relation to pre-nuptial agreements for two generations of the family covering multiple jurisdictions including Ukraine, France and Germany.

Entertainment industry support

Advising the director of a large national company on the best way to protect his business interests on divorce.

Post-nuptial negotiations

Assisting the partner of a successful international businessman with securing greater financial security in the event of divorce, following a significant change in his wealth profile from the date of their marriage to the current time.

HNW pre-nuptial agreement

Acting for a high net worth individual in a same-sex pre-nuptial agreement, involving careful presentation of the family’s dynastic wealth to ensure that the ‘fairness’ criteria could still be met for both parties involved.