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The UK’s leading postnuptial agreement solicitors

Our postnuptial agreement solicitors help married couples and civil partners put a clear plan in place for their financial future. A postnuptial agreement, sometimes called a postnup, is a legal document drawn up after marriage or civil partnership. It sets out how assets, property, and finances would be divided if the relationship were to break down, covering everything from property and savings to pensions, business interests, and inheritance. In England and Wales, postnuptial agreements are not automatically legally binding. However, when they are properly drafted, with independent legal advice for both parties and full financial disclosure in place, they carry real weight with the courts and are often upheld.

From multi-million pound agreements involving complex asset structures to smaller agreements covering property and inheritance for children, our team is experienced across the full range of postnuptial matters. We will make sure both parties receive independent legal advice and that all financial disclosure is in place – two of the most important factors in any postnuptial agreement carrying weight with a court.

As the UK’s largest specialist family law firm, Stowe Family Law has the experience and reach to support you wherever you are. With over 90 offices across England and Wales, including London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Sheffield, Bristol, and Cardiff, our specialist solicitors are always within reach. We have been ranked as a Leading Firm by both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners 2026, named in The Times Best Law Firms in 2026, and rated Excellent on Trustpilot. Our solicitors are members of Resolution and are fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Key Postnuptial agreement information

How long after marriage can you get a postnuptial agreement

You and your spouse can create a postnuptial agreement at any point during your marriage. As a ‘postnup’ covers the ownership of specific assets, and how they should be divided in the event of divorce, it is best to consider one during times of significant financial change.

How much does postnup cost?

Much like a prenup, the cost of a postnuptial agreement will vary depending on the complexity of your assets and the amount of legal advice you require. However, a postnup can provide protection down the line and can be a sensible financial investment.

Can I write my own postnuptial agreement?

According to the specific criteria that ensures a postnup can be considered by the court, it must be drafted by a lawyer and both parties must have received independent legal advice. To ensure you can satisfy the requirements and enable your agreement to be considered by the court, contact one of our specialist family lawyers.

Can a postnuptial agreement protect future assets

If you are expecting inheritance or a payout, even post-separation, a postnuptial agreement can help you protect your future assets. The same protections apply to future assets as current ones, so your partner will need to agree to the terms with a full understanding of what they entail.

Can postnups cover child related matters?

For both postnups and prenups, child-related matters such as custody and maintenance cannot be included. Maintenance is governed by the Child Maintenance Service, and any child arrangements will need to be agreed between you and your ex-partner at the time of separation or divorce. Should you not be able to agree, the family court will intervene in the best interests of your child.

See more answers to common questions

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What is a postnuptial agreement and how does it work?

A postnuptial agreement can be put in place at any point during a marriage. For example, shortly after the wedding, following a significant life change, or simply when the time feels right for both of you. What matters most is that both parties enter into it freely, with a clear picture of their financial position and a full understanding of what they are agreeing to.

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are similar in purpose: Both seek to establish the ownership of assets (including money, property, and belongings) and set out what should happen to them if the relationship ends. The key difference is timing. A prenuptial agreement is agreed before marriage, whereas a postnuptial agreement is drawn up at any point afterwards.

The court will also consider the length of the relationship and each party’s financial position at the time. This means it is worth revisiting a postnuptial agreement if your circumstances change significantly.

Our lawyers are experienced in advising on and drafting postnuptial agreements of all kinds. They will guide you through the process clearly and at your pace, so you can make informed decisions about your financial future.

Why would you need a postnuptial agreement?

There is no single reason why couples decide to draw up a postnuptial agreement. It is often a practical decision, made at a moment of change or reflection. Common reasons include:

  • Wanting to protect an inheritance or family assets
  • Gaining clarity on the ownership of property, businesses, or significant assets
  • Providing financial security for children from a previous relationship or current marriage
  • Protecting a stay-at-home parent or a partner who has stepped back from work
  • Addressing a significant change in financial circumstances since the marriage
  • Having not drawn up a prenuptial agreement before marrying

Whatever your reason, the important thing is that both parties feel comfortable with the process and are not under any pressure to agree to terms they are not happy with.

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When might a postnuptial agreement carry less weight?

As postnuptial agreements are not automatically legally binding in England and Wales, they can be set aside by a court if they are found to be unfair to one party. It is therefore important to approach the process carefully.

Both parties must receive independent legal advice before signing any contract. This is a safeguard that ensures each person fully understands what they are agreeing to, and that neither has been placed under pressure to accept terms they are uncomfortable with.

It is also worth remembering that a postnuptial agreement reflects your circumstances at the time it is drawn up. Significant life changes, such as having children, receiving an inheritance, or acquiring new assets, may affect how fair the agreement appears in the future. Revisiting and updating a postnuptial agreement periodically is a sensible step.

While pre and post-nups are not automatically binding in England & Wales, they are heavily persuasive and will likely be upheld by the court where needs are met, accurate disclosure and both parties have had legal advice.

Why choose Stowe Family Law?

  • The UK’s largest specialist family law firm: We are entirely dedicated to family matters, with over 90 offices across England and Wales
  • Ranked as a Leading Firm in 2026: By both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, and named in The Times Best Law Firms in 2026
  • Rated Excellent on Trustpilot: Our Excellent rating reflects the quality of care and advice our clients receive
  • Members of Resolution: We are committed to a constructive, non-confrontational approach to family law matters wherever possible
  • Regulated by the SRA: You can be confident your case is in the hands of fully qualified, authorised solicitors
  • Experienced across the full range of postnuptial agreements: From complex, high-value cases involving business interests and international assets, to straightforward agreements covering property and inheritance

Why choose Stowe Family Law?

  • As the only national law firm fully dedicated to family matters, our expert team offers professional advice so you can make a fully informed decision about your divorce.

  • We are proud to be rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot. Check out our reviews to see what our previous clients have said about our service.

  • We feature in The Legal 500 rankings and are fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

  • We keep you informed. Take a look at our support section, which features a range of helpful guides, focusing on important topics including finances and mediation.

Find out more about us

Common questions on postnuptial agreements

Common questions on postnuptial agreements

I have extensive experience in all aspects of family law and frequently represent clients in high-net-worth cases whether they are wishing to protect their wealth or ensure their financial future is secure; adopting a strategic and compassionate approach throughout.

Date last reviewed: 23/04/2025

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