The traditional romantic vow of 'what's mine is yours' is being quietly set aside by a new generation of Britons, with a significant rise in young couples opting for pre-nuptial agreements before walking down the aisle.
The Rise of the 'Pre-Nup' Generation
In a surprising shift away from convention, a comprehensive survey for the Marriage Foundation think-tank has uncovered that up to a fifth of young adults are now signing pre-nups. The research, conducted by Whitestone Insight, polled more than 2,000 adults aged 18 to 35 and found that one in five men and 16 per cent of women in this age bracket have already signed such an agreement.
Perhaps even more telling is the openness to the concept among those not yet married. The survey revealed that six in ten respondents, who were either single or in a pre-marriage relationship, stated they would consider getting a pre-nup. This marks a dramatic departure from the past, where these legal contracts were largely the preserve of older, wealthier individuals entering a second marriage.
Changing Attitudes and Falling Divorce Rates
This cultural shift coincides with a notable national trend: as pre-nuptial agreements have become more popular, divorce rates have fallen. Harry Benson, the Marriage Foundation's research director and author of the study, commented on the findings. 'It seems the young are embracing the idea of a pre-nup should the worst happen and a marriage break down – and in very large numbers,' he said.
Benson also noted a puzzling correlation from a previous study, indicating that while pre-nups did not increase the chance of divorce, their presence was associated with lower levels of commitment. However, the reason why this hasn't translated into higher break-up rates remains an unanswered question. He suggested that for some modern couples, a pre-nup is a way of confirming they are 'on the same page' financially.
Legal Endorsement and Societal Shifts
The data reflects broader societal changes, including the trend of delaying marriage until later in life. By their thirties, many individuals have accumulated assets, built wealth, or received inheritances they wish to protect. The legal standing of pre-nuptial agreements has also evolved significantly.
Sir Paul Coleridge, founder of the Marriage Foundation, explained the trend. 'Times have changed and, strangely, as divorce rates have fallen over the last ten years, pre-nups have become increasingly popular across all age groups,' he stated.
He highlighted two key reasons: the long-standing acceptance of pre-nups in European divorce law, influencing couples who marry abroad but divorce in the UK, and a crucial endorsement from the courts. 'The courts have endorsed them as a perfectly respectable and responsible step to take before you marry, as long as everyone behaves fairly,' Sir Paul added.
This legal backing allows couples to create bespoke financial arrangements, moving away from a one-size-fits-all statutory system during a breakdown. The Foundation views these findings as ultimately pro-marriage, seeing pre-nups as a healthy and pragmatic part of the modern marital process.
