Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
Added legal protection surrounding your marriage or civil partnership. Brockbanks Solicitors provides couples with Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements designed to protect. Work with our teams in Whitehaven and beyond to get your documentation in place.
Understanding the different types of agreements
A Prenuptial Agreement is designed for couples entering a marriage or civil partnership. Its main purpose is to record how the couple would divide assets should the relationship break down, listing the assets that one or both partners own prior to the marriage in order to protect them in the event of divorce. The traditional rule was that Prenuptial Agreements were not enforceable in England and Wales however, in recent years, the courts have been increasingly prepared to take them into account in proceedings.
A Postnuptial Agreement is similar but is made after a couple has been married or entered a civil partnership. Our nuptial law specialists can provide honest, tailored advice on the right agreements to suit your circumstances. Working with you and your partner, Brockbanks Solicitors will provide honest advice and guidance to protect your future interests.
Invaluable nuptial law advice
Our goal is to ensure you understand your rights and have the right protection in place. To work through the legalities of an agreement, or just get some advice, contact Brockbanks Solicitors today. You can visit any of our Cumbria offices in Whitehaven, Carlisle, Cockermouth, Keswick and Workington.
Helping you navigate sensitive topics
Nuptial agreements are not about mistrust but mutual respect and thoughtful planning. Taking the time to define financial arrangements and other significant assets before committing to your partner can offer peace of mind for both parties.
Every relationship is different. Which is why we’ll take the time to understand your personal and financial circumstances before advising on the most appropriate agreement structure. We prepare Nuptial Agreements that are clear, fair, and legally robust, offering protection while remaining practical and respectful. Get in touch to learn more.
Our Nuptial Law Services
Our team of Nuptial Law experts
Trudy Hill
Sarah Fitzsimons
Frequently asked questions
What is a cohabitation agreement?
A cohabitation agreement is a written agreement that can be legally binding when it’s properly drawn up, setting out how you and your partner share property, income, debts and responsibilities while you live together, and what happens if the relationship ends. It gives both of you clarity and protection. At Brockbanks Solicitors, our experienced solicitors guide you through the process with care and explain everything in plain English.
Do we need a cohabitation agreement if we are not married?
It is worth considering, because unmarried couples do not have the same legal rights as married couples or civil partners, and there is no such thing as common law marriage. Without an agreement, one partner can be left vulnerable if the relationship breaks down or one of you passes away. We help couples put the right protection in place for peace of mind.
What should a cohabitation agreement include?
It typically covers who owns or contributes to the property, how bills and debts are shared, and what happens to assets and any shared responsibilities if you separate. It can be tailored to reflect what each of you actually contributes to the relationship. Our team helps you have an open, respectful conversation and turns it into a clear, workable agreement.
Is a cohabitation agreement legally binding?
A cohabitation agreement can be enforced as a contract, provided it has been properly drawn up — ideally as a deed, with both partners taking independent legal advice, being open about their finances, and entering into it freely and fairly. Meet those conditions and a court will generally uphold it, though, as with any contract, it could still be challenged if those safeguards were missing. Having a solicitor prepare it gives it the best chance of being upheld.
When is a cohabitation agreement especially important?
It is particularly valuable when one partner owns the home, when there is a significant difference in income or assets, or when you share children, responsibilities or long-term plans. It also helps when either partner has obligations from a previous relationship. At Brockbanks Solicitors, we’ll help you decide what your agreement needs to cover.
Can same-sex couples have a cohabitation agreement?
Yes — cohabitation agreements are available to all couples, and we also offer LGBT-specific advice around cohabitation. The legal principles are the same, and the protection is just as valuable. Whatever your circumstances, our family law team is here to help you plan ahead with confidence.
Sensitive handling of complex matters
Call Brockbanks Solicitors on
01946 692194 to get started.