Pre-Nuptial Agreement Solicitors London

• Chambers HNW 2025: Band 1, Leading Firm for Family Law
• Chambers UK 2026: Band 1, Leading Firm for Family Law
• Legal 500 UK 2025 & 2026: Top Tier, Leading Firm, Family Law
• ePrivateclient 2025: Tier 1 Ranking, Top Family Law Firms
• Doyle’s Guide 2025 & 2026: First Tier, Leading Family & Divorce Law (London)
• Doyle’s Guide 2025 & 2026: Baroness Shackleton rated Preeminent – Leading High Net Worth Family Lawyers (London)
• Spear’s Family Lawyers Index 2025: Victoria Hingston featured with a focus on pre and post-nuptial agreements
• Chambers HNW Awards 2024: Winner, Family Law Team of the Year
• Landmark case: Radmacher v Granatino [2010] UKSC 42 – the leading authority on prenuptial agreements in England and Wales

Prenuptial agreements are not technically legally binding as contracts in England and Wales because the court’s discretion to make financial orders on divorce cannot be ousted by agreement. However, following the Supreme Court’s decision in Radmacher v Granatino [2010] UKSC 42, a prenuptial agreement that is freely entered into by each party with a full appreciation of its implications should be given effect by the court, unless in the circumstances prevailing it would not be fair to do so. In practice, a properly drafted prenuptial agreement that meets the established criteria carries very significant weight and will be upheld in the vast majority of cases. At Payne Hicks Beach, we acted in the groundbreaking case of Radmacher v Granatino and have a detailed understanding of what courts require.

You should look for a solicitor with specific experience in drafting and negotiating prenuptial agreements, particularly if your case involves complex assets, business interests or international elements. Look for firms ranked by Chambers HNW and Legal 500 in the specialist high net worth family law category, and consider whether the firm has in-house capability across tax, trusts and corporate law. PHB is ranked Band 1 by Chambers HNW and Top Tier by Legal 500, and our team includes Victoria Hingston, specifically featured by Spear’s for prenuptial agreement work. We acted in the groundbreaking Supreme Court case of Radmacher v Granatino [2010] UKSC 42, which changed the way the English courts look at prenuptial agreements.

The process begins with a consultation in which we discuss what you want the agreement to achieve and advise on what is realistic and enforceable under English law. Both parties should have the benefit of independent legal advice and provide full financial disclosure. We will prepare a draft agreement, negotiate the terms with your partner’s solicitor, and ensure the agreement is properly executed as a deed. We recommend beginning the process at least three months before the wedding date. In high net worth cases, the agreement may need to address business interests, trusts, offshore structures, international property and pension arrangements, and our family team works alongside PHB’s tax and private client specialists where needed.

Payne Hicks Beach acted in the groundbreaking case of Radmacher v Granatino [2010] UKSC 42, which changed the way the English courts look at prenuptial agreements, and in multiple reported cases concerning prenuptial agreements since.  Our vast experience means that our team has a depth of understanding that few firms can match. We are ranked Band 1 by Chambers HNW and Top Tier by Legal 500, with Victoria Hingston featured by Spear’s specifically for prenuptial agreement work. As a full-service firm, we can provide coordinated advice across family law, tax, trusts and corporate matters, which is essential where prenuptial agreements involve complex asset structures.

A prenuptial agreement should address what will happen to all assets owned by both parties, including property, savings, investments, pensions, business interests and any expected inheritances or trust interests in the event that they divorce. It should set out how those assets are to be treated during the marriage and how they would be divided in the event of a divorce. Each agreement is bespoke and tailored to the couple’s specific circumstances.

Yes. A prenuptial agreement can ring-fence business interests, shareholdings and partnership interests from the matrimonial pool, and can specify how business assets are to be treated in the event of a divorce. For business owners, this can be an important tool for ensuring that the business is not disrupted by divorce proceedings. We regularly advise entrepreneurs and business owners on structuring prenuptial agreements that protect their commercial interests while remaining fair and enforceable.

The cost of a prenuptial agreement depends on the complexity of the assets involved and the degree of negotiation required between the parties. A straightforward prenuptial agreement for a couple with relatively simple financial circumstances will cost less than an agreement involving business interests, international assets, trusts or multiple jurisdictions. We are happy to discuss your circumstances and provide a clear indication of costs at the outset.

Often a prenuptial agreement will contain a review clause providing that the agreement is to reviewed at regular intervals or upon the occurrence of certain trigger events (for example upon the birth of a child or an international relocation). The  parties may then enter into a postnuptial agreement if the review requires changes to the agreement. The new postnuptial agreement will then stand in place of the earlier agreement.