Pre-Nups vs Post-Nups: What’s the Difference — and Why You Might Need One

Planning a wedding or settling into married life? It may not sound romantic, but talking about how you would handle finances if things ever went wrong can save you stress, time, and money in the long run.

At Parachute Law, we help couples across England and Wales put sensible legal protections in place — all done remotely, without needing to step into a solicitor’s office.

One of the best ways to do this is with a Pre-nuptial Agreement or Post-nuptial Agreement.

What is a Pre-nuptial Agreement?

A Pre-nuptial Agreement (often referred to as a "Pre-nup") is a written contract made before you get married or enter a civil partnership. It sets out how assets, property, debts, and income would be divided if the relationship breaks down.

Pre-nups are particularly helpful if:

·   One of you is bringing significantly more wealth into the marriage

·   There are children from a previous relationship

·   You expect to receive inheritance or family gifts in future

·   You run a business or hold property you want to ringfence

What is a Post-nuptial Agreement?

A Post-nuptial Agreement is the same type of agreement — but made afteryou're already married or in a civil partnership. Couples sometimes choose a post-nup:

·   After a change in financial circumstances (e.g. a new business or inheritance)

·   Following relationship difficulties or reconciliation

·   When they didn’t have time to prepare a Pre-nuptial Agreement before the wedding

Are Pre-Nups and Post-Nups Legally Binding?

While not automatically binding like a Court Order, courts in England and Wales increasingly uphold Pre-nuptial Agreements and Post-nuptial Agreements, provided certain conditions are met:

·   Both parties took independent legal advice

·   The agreement was entered into freely without pressure

·   Both parties fully disclosed their financial situation

·   The terms are fair and meet the parties’ basic needs (especially if children are involved)

·   The Agreement was entered into at least 28 days before the wedding (in the case of Pre-Nuptial Agreements)

If those boxes are ticked, the court is likely to respect the agreement in the event of a divorce.

Why Get a Nuptial Agreement?

Nuptial agreements aren’t just for the wealthy — they’re for anyone who wants:

·   Peace of mind about what would happen in the event of a split

·   To protect family wealth, inheritances, or business assets

·   To avoid costly court battles if the relationship breaks down

·   A clear financial plan that supports both parties

These agreements encourage open conversations, promote financial transparency, and can save you both from emotional and financial strain in the future.

How Parachute Law Can Help

At Parachute Law, we make the process of drafting a Pre-nuptial Agreement or Post-nuptial Agreement clear, collaborative, and convenient. We work with clients entirely online (via email and Zoom video calls) or by phone, so no matter where you are in England or Wales or overseas, you can access expert legal advice from the comfort of your own home.

We’ll guide you through every step — from understanding what you need, to drafting the Agreement, to ensuring it’s properly signed and witnessed.

Contact Parachute Law Today

Call us on: 0207 183 4547

For more information on Pre-Nuptial Agreements click on the links below:

Article: Prenuptial Agreement in the UK: Everything YOU Need to Know Before Saying I Do

Article: Prenuptial Agreements in the UK: A Comprehensive 2025 Guide