Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements

Pre-nuptial Agreements are set up prior to marriage or a civil partnership. Post-Nuptial Agreements are set up after the marriage or civil partnership has taken place. Both types of agreements are documents in which a couple set out their rights in relation to any property, debts, income and other assets purchased together or acquired individually (eg through inheritance), or that they have brought into a relationship.
Once married or in a civil partnership, these assets become matrimonial assets unless specifically protected.

It is a common misconception that Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements are only for the rich and famous. Such agreements are suitable for anyone who wishes to protect their assets. If you have children from a previous relationship and want to ensure that you reserve certain assets for them if your new relationship fails, then a Pre-nuptial or Post-nuptial Agreement may be a way of achieving this.