Prenuptial agreements are no longer the preserve of the ultra-wealthy with new research suggesting they are fast becoming a routine part of financial planning for modern UK couples.
A national study commissioned by Taylor Rose found that 11% of adults who are or have been married or cohabited have signed a relationship agreement, whether a prenup, post-nup or cohabitation agreement.
Among younger generations the figure rises sharply, with 29% of Gen Z and 26% of millennials having signed some form of agreement, compared with just 5% of Generation X and less than 1% of older adults.
Of Gen Z respondents who are or have been married or cohabited, 14% have signed a prenup, 10% a cohabitation agreement and 6% a post-nup. For millennials, the figures stand at 11%, 10% and 8% respectively.
SHIFTING ATTITUDES
Attitudes are also shifting. Almost one in three people (30%) say they would consider signing a prenup, rising to 38% of Gen Z and 40% of millennials. A third would consider a cohabitation agreement.
Far from protecting vast fortunes, most agreements relate to middle-income households. The median joint asset value covered is £375,000, with only 4% involving assets above £1m. Most fall between £100,000 and £500,000.
Avoiding financial vulnerability is the primary driver, cited by 54% of those open to an agreement. More than a third (35%) want to protect personal or family wealth, while 30% specifically mention safeguarding future inheritance.
NOT JUST FOR RICH
Amarjit Ryatt, Partner and Head of the Family Team at Taylor Rose, says: “These findings confirm what we are seeing more and more every day – prenups are no longer reserved for the rich.
“People are recognising them as sensible, protective documents that promote fairness and reduce conflict.
“Younger couples, in particular, are leading this shift, approaching relationships with clarity and maturity rather than seeing these agreements as a sign of distrust.”
