One in four people who signed prenuptial agreements said they did so after being put under pressure by a partner or parent according to new research.
The survey of 1,000 UK adults aged 18 and over, conducted by JMW Solicitors in May, suggests parents and relatives are increasingly taking an active role in protecting family assets across generations. Among those who have or have had a nuptial agreement, the most commonly cited motivations by respondents point to a financially conscious mindset rather than interpersonal conflict.
Greater financial awareness and a belief that nuptial agreements are an essential part of marriage ranked as the top two drivers, cited by 38% and 36% of respondents respectively, followed by a desire to ensure fairness (33%). Social pressure (23%), reducing conflict in divorce (22%) and protecting business assets (21%) were also cited in the survey as reasons for nuptial agreements.
Pressure from a partner was cited by 27% of respondents, while pressure from parents accounted for 25%. The results reflect the experiences of many family lawyers, JMW said, with parents and grandparents regularly involved in initiating conversations about asset protection – particularly where inherited wealth, property, or a family business is at stake.
The involvement of family members reflects a broader shift in how wealth is being managed across generations, the firm added.
“As house prices remain high and family estates increasingly pass down to adult children, parents and grandparents are more likely than ever to want reassurance that assets built over a lifetime will remain within the family,” it said in a statement.
The survey also revealed nearly half of respondents (45%) consider asking for a prenup to be unromantic, and 45% believe the contracts create a power imbalance.
But with three quarters of respondents (75%) agreeing that nuptial agreements can help prevent legal disputes, and 70% believing they can make divorce easier, attitudes are evolving, JMW said.
Ruben Sinha, partner and head of JMW Signature at JMW, said: “In our experience, it is increasingly common for parents and family members to be part of the conversation around nuptial agreements, particularly where there are family assets, a business, property interests or generational wealth to consider. In those circumstances, the discussion is often less about pressure and more about careful, forward-looking financial planning.
“What matters is that the process is handled openly, sensitively and that both parties obtain independent legal advice. If the subject has been raised by a family member, the most constructive approach is to take advice early, understand the purpose of the agreement, and ensure that the outcome is fair, balanced and properly reflects both parties’ circumstances.”
