Love Story… with a safety net: Prenups explained

She is in her engagement Era! As we have all heard pop icon Taylor Swift announced her recent engagement with her NFL star boyfriend Travis Kelce as of late August 2025. With pop culture buzzing, we can be assured it has got us thinking about Taylor’s pre-wedding preparations before they officially tie the knot. Behind the sparkle of the ring and the romance of the headlines lies a practical question that even Taylor cannot escape: What about a Pre-nup? Whether you are a global superstar or just starting out, planning is not about doubting love, it is about protecting yourself and the life you are building together.

The family team here at Taylor Bracewell are here to help if you have just said “yes”.

What is a Pre-nuptial Agreement?

A pre-nuptial agreement is a written agreement drawn up by a couple prior to their marriage. The purpose of the agreement is to enable you and your future spouse to express how you would want your assets to be divided in the event of a subsequent divorce.

Is the Agreement enforceable?

Whilst the agreement is not automatically enforceable by a court, they are given increasing weight, subject to the agreements having been properly prepared.

What does the Agreement involve?

Both parties will ideally need to have separate independent legal advice. The agreement will need to be drawn up in plenty of time prior to the marriage. There can be no pressure from either party on the other to enter into the agreement. It is important that you and your future spouse exchange financial disclosure before finalising the terms of the agreement. This allows you both to fully consider your respective income, property, other assets, pension and liabilities before agreeing how to separate your assets in any subsequent divorce.

Will the matrimonial court follow the Agreement?

In any future divorce proceedings, the court has a discretion to depart from an agreement considered to be unfair in all the circumstances.

Important considerations for the Agreement:

• Request your financial disclosure in early course, including CEV of pensions
• Consider the extent of any assets brought into the marriage by one or both parties
• How will the assets be divided upon any subsequent separation?
• How will the needs of any children be met for housing and financial support?
• Does the agreement meet the needs of both parties if they divorce?
• Should there be a spousal maintenance payment?
• What will happen to assets acquired during the marriage jointly or separately?
• How will pensions be shared?
• What will happen to any gifts or inheritance received before and/or during the marriage?
• How will any debts be discharged?

For further information in relation to Pre-nuptial or Post-nuptial Agreements, or any other family matter, please contact our Family team on 01302 341414 or fill out our online enquiry form.