Prenuptial agreements for business owners

Business ownership can add significant complexity to divorce proceedings, particularly where the business provides income, employs family members or has been built up over many years. A prenuptial agreement allows these issues to be considered calmly in advance. Our solicitors help business owners put clear protections in place to reduce uncertainty and safeguard the continuity of the business.

A prenuptial agreement can be used to set out how business interests should be treated if a marriage ends, including whether they should be excluded from sharing or valued in a particular way. While no agreement can override the Court’s duty to ensure fairness, our solicitors draft business-focused prenups designed to carry weight and reduce the risk of disruption.

Courts will generally respect prenuptial agreements that have been entered into freely, with full financial disclosure and independent legal advice. Where a business is involved, clarity and fairness are key. Our solicitors ensure agreements are structured in line with current legal principles to maximise their effectiveness.

Yes, a well-drafted prenuptial agreement can anticipate future developments such as business growth, restructuring, succession or sale. Our solicitors take a forward-looking approach, helping business owners build flexibility into agreements while maintaining clear boundaries around ownership and value.

Family businesses and farms often involve inherited assets, multiple generations and non-owning family members. These factors require careful handling. Our solicitors have particular experience advising farming families, ensuring agreements reflect both commercial realities and wider family interests.

Divorce can place significant strain on a business if ownership, control or cash flow are in dispute. A prenuptial agreement can reduce the risk of forced sales or ongoing involvement by an ex-spouse. Our solicitors focus on creating clear arrangements that support business stability during periods of personal change.

For many business owners, a prenuptial agreement forms part of a broader strategy that includes succession planning, trusts and Wills. Taking a coordinated approach can help preserve value across generations. Our solicitors can work closely with our colleagues across the firm to provide joined-up advice aligned with your long-term business and personal goals.