Protect your future with Jersey agreements
Whether you are entering into marriage or already married, planning for the future is a responsible and practical step. In Jersey, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are increasingly used by couples to clarify financial arrangements and protect assets in the event of separation. These agreements are not just for the wealthy, they are equally relevant for individuals with more modest means who wish to avoid uncertainty and conflict later on.
A prenuptial agreement is made before marriage and sets out how assets, income, and property should be divided if the relationship ends. A postnuptial agreement is similar but entered into after marriage, often in response to changes in circumstances such as the birth of children, inheritance, or business developments. Both types of agreements can help couples, whether they are building wealth or preserving it, approach their relationship with clarity and mutual understanding.
In Jersey, these agreements are not automatically binding, but the Royal Court will take them into account when determining financial settlements, particularly where they have been entered into freely, with full financial disclosure and independent legal advice. The Court retains discretion to vary the terms if they are deemed unfair or if circumstances have changed significantly, but a well-drafted agreement can carry considerable weight.
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are particularly useful in a range of scenarios:
- Where one or both parties own property or hold housing qualifications
- Where there are children from previous relationships
- Where one party is significantly wealthier or has business interests
- Where there is an expected inheritance or family wealth to protect
- Where couples wish to agree in advance how finances will be managed
These agreements can cover a wide range of issues, including:
- Ownership and division of property
- Treatment of inherited or gifted assets
- Business interests and shareholdings
- Financial support and maintenance
- Responsibility for debts
- Provisions for children, including education and housing
At Parslows LLP, our family law Solicitors and Advocates have extensive experience advising clients across the financial spectrum. Whether you are a professional couple with shared assets or a high-net-worth individual with complex holdings, we provide tailored advice to suit your circumstances. We understand that every relationship is different, and we take the time to understand your goals and concerns before drafting an agreement that reflects your intentions.
For middle-income couples, a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can provide reassurance that each party’s contributions, financial or otherwise, are recognised and respected. It can also help avoid the emotional and financial strain of contested proceedings in the future. For high-income individuals, these agreements are often essential to protect business assets, family trusts, or international property portfolios.
Our approach is discreet, practical, and focused on long-term stability. We work collaboratively with clients and, where appropriate, their financial advisers to ensure that the agreement is comprehensive and enforceable. Each party is encouraged to obtain independent legal advice to ensure fairness and transparency.
If you are considering a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement in Jersey, contact Parslows LLP for expert legal advice. Whether you are planning a marriage, reviewing your financial arrangements, or seeking to protect your family’s future, our team will guide you through the process with clarity and care.
