More women eager to sign prenuptial agreements

Solicitors are receiving an increasing number of requests from women who want to draw up pre-nuptial agreements, new research suggests.

While pre-nups are not legally binding in the UK, more weight has been given to the agreements following a landmark case at the Supreme Court in 2010.

The case, concerning the affairs of German heiress Katrin Radmacher, established for the first time that pre-nups could be taken into consideration in the family courts of England and Wales.

Following the ruling, the Law Commission floated proposals to go further and introduce a marital contract that would actually be enforceable by law – although this type of arrangement is unlikely to be considered further until after the General Election.

Nonetheless, a growing number of young professionals are signing pre-nups before they exchange their vows.

Of particular interest is the increasing number of women who are approaching solicitors, keen to draw up an agreement. While traditionally pre-nups were initiated by far more men, it is thought that the increasing number of young female entrepreneurs is changing this trend.

At Royds, our family law experts can advise on matters relating to pre and post nuptial agreements. For more information, please visit or contact Patrick Hart or Vandana Chitroda.