Secure Your Future
Navigate pre & post-nuptial agreements with clarity and confidence.
Legal Agreements
Secure your future with clear and binding agreements for every stage of life.
Pre-Nuptial Agreements
Protect your interests before marriage with a well-drafted pre-nuptial agreement.
Post-Nuptial Agreements
Establish mutual understanding and clarity with a post-nuptial agreement after marriage.
Understanding Family Agreements
We specialize in pre and post-nuptial agreements, ensuring clarity and fairness in family arrangements during challenging times. Our goal is to promote understanding and prevent disputes.
Our Commitment to Clarity
Expert Legal Guidance
Our experienced team provides tailored legal advice, ensuring that all parties understand their rights and responsibilities, fostering trust and transparency in family agreements.
When couples separate, two sides of the story often emerge. A clear agreement can prevent disputes by recording exactly what each person intended.
You may have heard of pre-nuptial agreements (PNAs) but may be less familiar with their implications, when they can be binding, and how they work in practice. These agreements apply to marriages and civil partnerships.
Preparing one requires care. The process should never create mistrust—it’s about clarity and security. Independent legal advice is essential to show that both parties understood the agreement and entered into it freely.
At Laws Bureau, we also prepare a range of family agreements, including:
Cohabitation agreements – for unmarried couples setting out financial arrangements.
Post-nuptial agreements – for married couples or civil partners who want clarity after marriage/partnership.
Separation agreements – for couples who are separating.
Parenting agreements – to establish clear arrangements for children.
Key Points
No agreement can completely stop a court from becoming involved, but these documents can heavily influence the court’s decision.
If properly prepared and fair, an agreement can act as both a starting point and, often, the final word.
A well-drafted agreement helps avoid “he said, she said” disputes and can provide peace of mind about the future.
Process & Timing
Ideally, each party should have separate lawyers to draft and finalise the agreement.
With PNAs, timing matters. Signing too close to the wedding can suggest undue pressure and affect validity—so start early.
With cohabitation agreements, it’s best to get details sorted before moving in together.
Costs & Timescales
Every agreement is unique, and costs vary depending on complexity and the level of negotiation. As a guide:
Typical costs: £4,000 – £8,000 + VAT (per party)
Timescale: 4–6 weeks is standard for drafting and finalising
High levels of “what if” scenarios or heavy scrutiny can increase costs and create unnecessary tension, so keeping the process straightforward is best.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I make the agreement?
Start early—ideally at least one month before marriage. Leaving it late can raise concerns about pressure and reduce the agreement’s weight in court.
Are they binding?
Yes and no. The court looks at fairness, based on legal principles, not personal views. If the agreement is fair and both parties had legal advice, it’s likely to be binding unless strong reasons arise.
Why bother if they aren’t always binding?
Because they bring clarity and reduce risk. A fair, well-drafted agreement often carries significant weight in court.
Can I change the agreement later?
Yes. Most agreements include a review clause to ensure they remain fair and relevant.
I feel pressured to sign. What should I do?
Don’t sign. Speak to a lawyer immediately and keep written evidence of your concerns (email is best). Pressure or lack of advice can invalidate an agreement.
We didn’t finalise the paperwork before the wedding. What now?
No problem. You can make a post-nuptial agreement instead—it’s identical in effect, just signed after marriage.
Can I draft my own agreement?
Templates exist, but every situation is different. To be fair and enforceable, your agreement must reflect your circumstances and be supported by independent legal advice.
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Pre & Post-Nuptial Agreements
