When people come to Higgins Miller it tends to be for help in dealing with some of the most pivotal and stressful events like can throw at a person. As specialists in family law, we’re used to dealing with wills and probate, divorce and children disputes. We’re also well versed in answering questions such as ‘How much does a prenuptial agreement cost?’ In all cases, we offer advice which blends expert legal opinion with a sympathetic attitude and a commitment to clear communication. At every stage, we make sure that our clients know exactly what is happening and precisely how much our services are going to cost them.
We know from experience that many people put off or avoid seeking legal advice because of concerns that they won’t understand what’s happening and that the cost might spiral out of control. By explaining the prenuptial agreement cost in an upfront and clear manner, we ensure that this isn’t the case and that people feel able to seek out the kind of advice which prevents them making mistakes which could end up being very expensive.
A prenuptial is a formal agreement drawn up by a couple before they get married. Prenuptial agreements are often sought in cases where one partner enters the marriage with considerable wealth already established, and in particular if they want to ensure that this wealth will remain intact to later pass on to the children of earlier relationships. The agreement sets out how the assets of the couple will be divided in the event of a divorce and are intended to prevent any uncertainty and the cost, stress and inconvenience of a court case if the relationship does break down.
When considering whether to invest the prenuptial agreement cost, it should be borne in mind that currently, such agreements are not legally binding in England. Despite this, however, actual cases have demonstrated that judges are likely to take what an agreement says into account, and will generally uphold them providing certain conditions are met. One of these conditions is that both partners should have received independent legal advice when the agreement was being drawn up, which underlines the importance of speaking to experts like those at Higgins Miller. Coming to us for advice when drawing up a prenuptial agreement will help to ensure that you meet the rest of the conditions, which include full and frank disclosure of all assets at the time the agreement is drawn up and the fact that the agreement should not have been entered into under duress or less than 21 days before the marriage took place. The court will also seek to ensure that the details are realistic and fair, without leaning too far in favour of one or other of the parties. It’s also important to review and update a prenuptial agreement on a regular basis in order to make sure that it reflects any major changes in the relationship. These might include the birth of children, the long-term impact if one partner gives up a career to become a homemaker and eventualities such as the parties starting a business together.
The answer to the question ‘How much does a prenuptial agreement cost?’ depends upon the complexity of the agreement itself. Although we don’t set a specific fixed fee for drawing up an agreement, we offer a minimum price of £600, which will rise in line with the complexity of the issues which go to make up the agreement. In some circumstances a client will come to us with an agreement which has already been drawn up, in which case we will review the agreement and offer advice for a minimum fixed fee of £300.
If you’d like to know more about prenuptial agreement cost or any aspect of drawing up an agreement, please call us on 0161 429 7251 or email us at [email protected]. We’ll provide an initial 20 minute appraisal free of charge and we operate a fixed fee first appointment scheme which means that the money you spend will always be under control. For more details of our wider funding options, see here.
