Post-nuptial agreement solicitors
A post-nuptial agreement can be a practical approach to give you both peace of mind
Our family law experts will help you design a post-nup with your partner that provides you with a little more certainty
What is a post-nuptial agreement?
A sensible decision for your future together
A post-nuptial agreement, also known as a ‘post-nup’, is a legal agreement made between a married couple or civil partners after their wedding or civil partnership ceremony.
Okay, it might not sound romantic, but a post-nup can be a level-headed agreement between parties to a marriage or civil partnership that lays out how your financial matters will be handled during your marriage, as well as in the event of a divorce or separation.
This is a breakdown of what a post-nuptial agreement typically covers:
- Division of assets - you reach an agreement that outlines how finances and assets, such as property and belongings, would be divided if you and your partner were to separate or divorce in the future
- Financial obligations - this can specify how your future income, savings and debts would be handled during your marriage and in the event of a separation or divorce
- In some cases - inheritances, pre-marital debts or spousal maintenance can also be addressed in a post-nuptial agreement to put minds at rest
Note, post-nuptial agreements are not automatically legally binding in the UK. The family court will give weight to your post-nup, however, provided certain conditions with the agreement are met. These conditions include:
- fair, transparent, and entered into freely by both parties - this means both partners should receive independent legal advice before signing
- full disclosure of finances - disclosing each partner's financial situation at the time of signing is crucial for the agreement to be upheld in court
It’s important to remember that while post-nuptial agreements are becoming increasingly common, they will not give you a guaranteed solution in court. The court will always take great care to consider the fairness of your post-nup agreement alongside the needs of all parties involved, especially any children, during a divorce settlement.
Consulting a solicitor that specialises in family law is highly recommended before entering into a post-nup because they will guide you through the process, making sure your agreement with your spouse or civil partner is legally sound and protecting your interests. Our team of specialist child and family lawyers can help you draw up a post-nup that suits you and your other half.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve all heard of pre-nups. Popular with celebrities such as Beyoncé and Jay-Z, they have become synonymous with the more practical side of a couple making it official. This is about a couple thinking with their head as well as their heart as they enter into a union. Post-nups, on the other hand, are less well-known.
As the name suggests, this is an agreement reached with you and your spouse or partner after your marriage, and they have become more popular in recent years for a number of reasons. These include:
A change in circumstances - financial situations or family dynamics can alter significantly after marriage, prompting a post-nup to clarify financial arrangements
Inheritance protection - with a post-nup, you’re able to safeguard inherited assets for your children from a previous relationship
Business ownership - you or your partner might own a business. Here, a post-nup can protect its ownership in case of separation
Second marriages - you may have assets from a previous marriage or relationship that you want to retain in the event of a separation or divorce
Our post-nuptial agreement experts are specialist family law solicitors who have helped a significant number of clients to enter into watertight, legally enforceable post-nups. We will meet with you either at our offices, another location of your choice or online and ensure we understand the matters of importance to you.
We will address any concerns, identify and flag any matters you may have overlooked and advise on the best way forward. We will prepare a post-nup agreement that accurately records your intentions, addresses all pertinent issues and meets the relevant legal criteria.
It is our firm policy to provide first-class legal advice in a cost-effective way and we are proud to have received feedback from clients praising our superb insight and professionalism, as well as our open, supportive approach.
Our experience in post-nuptial agreements and all aspects of family law allows us to approach matters from both a legal and practical standpoint, and we’ll guide you through the process with care and empathy.
We're here to help.
Nick Robertshaw
Family Law Solicitor
"Thanks once again for your attention and for your advice, which appears to me sound, appropriate and practical."
Belderbos Solicitors provides expert, compassionate support for family law matters, from divorce and finances to child arrangements, guiding you toward peaceful resolutions. Book a free discovery call with Belderbos Solicitors for practical legal guidance.
Belderbos Solicitors is ready to help
Post-nups vs Pre-nups: the pros and cons
Both pre-nuptial agreements and post-nuptial agreements aim to clarify your financial arrangements with your partner or spouse in the event of a divorce or separation. They differ in the timing of their creation and there are advantages and disadvantages to both.
Post-nuptial agreements (post-nups)
Pros
Cons
Pre-nuptial agreements (pre-nups)
Pros
Cons
What Our Clients Say
James has been acting for my sister with her divorce. I was present at the first meeting and was impressed and pleased with the way he got her to open up and talk to him in a way that I have seldom seen her do. James has been very firm and honest with my sister throughout the process, guiding her to make difficult decisions, and acting in an empathic and professional manner at all times. I would be very happy to recommend James to anyone going through a similar situation.
Ms P, Leicestershire
James was recommended to me when I was new to the area and looking for a good lawyer to help me with my divorce which can be a painful process to go through.
For me in particular, this is true. It was necessary for me to end my marriage of 45 years which is the biggest step I have undertaken in my entire life but was absolutely right. At last, like some sort of chrysalis I am emerging to become the butterfly I always was. Throughout a difficult divorce James Belderbos offered both wise and succinct advice together with support. My gratitude is infinite. It is reassuring to know there are solicitors practicing who take their role seriously and professionally. James Belderbos is one.
JW of Mountsorrel
James was recommended to me when I was new to the area and looking for a good lawyer to help me with my divorce which can be a painful process to go through.
Not only was James extremely attentive to accuracy and detail, he showed compassion and kindness (a trait not often associated with lawyers!) and steered me towards reaching a satisfactory result with my divorce.
Ms B, Nottinghamshire
Our Full Range Of Family Law Services
Whether you need guidance on child arrangements, financial matters, court applications, or out-of-court solutions, our expert divorce solicitors are here to help. Select the services that best meet your needs and let us support you through every step of the process.
Legal advice is recommended when you separate from your partner, especially when children are involved. Talk to our our family law experts for advice on separation, whether you’re married or a cohabiting couple.
Whether you're preparing for marriage or looking to secure financial clarity in your existing partnership, our experienced family law team is here to help you protect your assets and ensure peace of mind for the future.
Whether you’re facing separation, considering a separation deed, or moving in together as a cohabiting couple, our experienced family law team is here to protect your rights and guide you through every step.
Expert legal support for all aspects of child arrangements, from court applications to financial orders, ensuring the best outcomes for your family's future.
Explore tailored out-of-court solutions like mediation, hybrid mediation, collaborative law, or early neutral evaluation to resolve family disputes amicably and avoid the stress and cost of court.
Immediate court orders and non-molestation injunctions can shield you from domestic abuse, harassment, and other threats. Our expert legal team is here to guide you through every step.
Get the legal advice you need
Book your discovery call and we’ll arrange a free, no-obligation chat at a time to suit you. Please note that we cannot offer Legal Aid.
CONTACT US
Registered Office: 20 A Church Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6AA
admin@belderbossolicitors.co.uk
We have prepared this material for your information and interest but it does not constitute legal advice. We have aimed to provide useful information but it is important to appreciate that the law changes frequently and the information provided is no substitute for individual advice specific to your needs. For this reason you should not rely on historical blogs which are not updated. For individual advice please contact us directly using the facility on the left hand of the page. You acknowledge that we accept no liability for reliance placed upon the content of this website whatsoever in contract, tort or otherwise for any loss or damage caused by or arising directly or indirectly in connection with any use or reliance on its content except to the extent that such liability cannot be excluded by law.
© Copyright Belderbos Solicitors Limited all rights reserved
Innovated by:
