Considering getting a prenup before you get married but unsure if it is even legally binding in Ireland/ Northern Ireland? Wedding Journal is here to help with making this happen.
Despite Ireland’s divorce statistic being significantly lower than most countries around the world, we still can’t help but see an increase in couples wanting a prenup before their wedding. This would be in the instance that they get divorced. Google searches for the term ‘prenup’ have risen by 456%. Having conversations around prenups with your partner can encourage you both to speak about important financial decisions. It can bring out personal financial values and core beliefs about who deserves certain possessions in the case of a divorce.
But is a prenup legal in Ireland and Northern Ireland currently? Let’s find out what it is and its possibilities.
What is a prenuptial agreement?
A prenuptial agreement is a written contract entered into by the couple. This is to set out what will happen to either party’s assets in the case that the marriage breaks down. This contract is agreed upon before the wedding takes place.
Is a prenuptial agreement legal in Ireland or Northern Ireland?
Prenups are not legally binding in Ireland or Northern Ireland. However, this does not mean you should dismiss getting a prenup altogether. The agreement has also started to carry more weight in court. This also allows the court to see what the initial intentions were from the outset of the couple’s marriage. Therefore, it can only help your situation if you wish to have a prenuptial agreement in place before your wedding day.
We would also recommend having a conversation with your partner if this is the case and outlining your thoughts and feelings towards getting a prenup in place. With these agreements, both parties have to be completely transparent with the agreement, so the clearer the contract is for both parties, the better!
What financial possessions will need to be outlined in a prenuptial agreement?
- Property held in your sole name and joint names
- Savings
- Pensions
- Income
- Business interests
- Inheritance
- Investments
- Property
- Debts
Do you have any advice about getting a prenuptial agreement started?
Our best advice would be to contact a solicitor as soon as you know you would like a prenup to take place. The sooner that you have got the ball rolling, the quicker and easier it will be to enjoy your wedding planning without all of the legal back and forths in between!
