Are Pre Nuptial Agreements Worth It?

20th April 2011
Are Pre Nuptial Agreements Worth It? image

Are Pre Nuptial Agreements Worth It?

It was hoped that the long-awaited decision in the case of Radmacher v Granatino in October 2010 would answer the above question. The case established the following point of principle:

‘The Court should give effect to a nuptial agreement freely entered into by each party with a full appreciation of its implications unless in the circumstances prevailing it would not be fair to hold the parties to their agreement.’

The answer appears to be therefore ‘probably!’

Couples planning to marry have long sought to agree who should have what in the event of the relationship going wrong, but the Divorce courts in England have the discretion to do whatever is considered reasonable in all the circumstances of the case when a couple divorce . Nevertheless the Courts have increasingly been willing to look at any pre-nuptial agreement entered into by the parties when considering all the circumstances of the case but the weight (if any) attached to the terms of the agreement differs from case to case. There is no law in England which states that couples are absolutely bound by any pre-nuptial agreement they entered into before they married.

However as society changes and with Divorce becoming sadly ever-more commonplace, many believe that couples ought to have the right to enter into a contract with their partner to sensibly work out the terms of any divorce settlement in the unfortunate event of the relationship just not working out. It is felt therefore that any move in the law to make pre-nuptial agreements absolutely enforceable in the event of Divorce would merely reflect the reality of modern-day living.

The fact is that despite making vows to stay together ‘til death us do part’ it makes sense to attempt to lay down an agreement for the division of assets on divorce in the hope that this will serve to cut down the bitterness and trauma of a marriage breakdown.

The case of Radmacher does not reflect a change in the law but it does provide the clearest indication from the English Courts yet that in the right circumstances a nuptial agreement in the right circumstances will be respected and upheld by the courts. However until parliament introduces legislation to firmly lay down the principles under which a nuptial agreement will be fully recognised by the courts then couples cannot be certain that the terms of their agreement will be absolutely binding.

However does that mean that couple should ignore the idea of entering into such an agreement? Absolutely not. Pre-nuptial agreements are likely to be respected by the divorce court particularly in short marriage and where the contribution in money/property of both parties to the marriage is clearly defined in the agreement. Also both parties ought to take independent legal advice before entering into the agreement

For more details or assistance with pre-nuptial agreements please contact Anita Toal 01775 722261 or email her on anita.toal@maplessolicitors.com


Coffee Morning and Pop-Up Clinic image

Coffee Morning and Pop-Up Clinic

Join us at The Ruby Hunt Centre, Church Street, Donington, PE11 4UA on Monday 11th March 2024 between 10am and 12pm for a free coffee morning and pop-up clinic to talk about Wills, Powers of Attorney and financial planning for Care Homes.

If you cannot join us for the coffee morning, please contact one of our lawyers in the Wills and Probate Department to discuss a home visit.

Or telephone the office 01775 722261 and ask to speak with one of the team.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Read More

Testimonials

Jamie Dobbs FCILEx

"I should like to take this opportunity to express my very sincere and grateful thanks for Jamie's unfailing helpfulness and efficiency in all aspects of the handling of my late stepmother's estate. Jamie have always replied to my (many!) queries promptly and comprehensively which has been a enormous help throughout what I know can be a fraught and stressful process. Sadly, it is increasingly rare these days to experience the highs standards of service that Jamie has provided."

Gemma Mayer LLB

"I would highly recommend Maples Solicitors, especially Gemma Mayer, for any conveyancing work. The level of support and professionalism was excellent at all times. I also felt if I needed to ask or clarify anything that it was not an issue. Buying and selling a house is stressful enough, but Gemma helped me through it step by step."

Anita Toal LLB BA

"I think you are brilliant. You can use my comments above. You are efficient, friendly and quite clearly very good at what you do. Mainly you don’t leave people hanging around too long for." "So easy to talk to her and she understood what I wanted. She put me at ease and I cant thank her enough"

James Turner BA

James Turner was extremely helpful with our buying process. Everything went smoothly. We are very happy with the level of professionalism demonstrated by the office. Highly recommended solicitors. Will definitely do business with them again.

Daven Naghen LLB

"Daven provided an excellent service, from attending the first interview with me to the final court appearance. He filled me full of confidence that he would defend me to which he did and come out with an excellent outcome in view of my position that I had put myself in."

Faye Blair LLB

Faye was excellent, sensitive and acted very well to the time constraints we faced. Great service and dealt with compassion at such sad times made the process less painful very professional.

Jamie Dobbs GCILEx

Over the last forty years I have cause to deal with many law firms both in a personal and professional capacity, including some ‘top’ London Companies. In all of those dealings I have never found anyone as proactive and so willing to offer help and advice as Jamie Dobbs. During the last two years Jamie guided my parents through the completion of Lasting Powers of Attorney. Helped myself with the use of the LPA and recently dealing with Probate and Estate Administration following their death.

Mike Pepper MA

Mike Pepper gave us excellent advice. He was always most helpful and accommodating giving lucid explanations every step of the way. Thank you Mike.

Donna Sandison FCILEx

Donna has been helpful and professional every step of the way during the process. Always on hand to answer any queries and totally professional and friendly at all times.