While few people may want to imagine a future involving relationship breakdown, there are times when planning ahead is important to guarantee peace of mind

A prenuptial agreement is a contract taken out by two parties before they marry. Couples often choose to make such agreements in order to protect their pre-marriage assets, inheritance, and existing family commitments, such as children from previous relationships. Prenuptial agreements provide a measure of certainty and security in the event of a relationship breakdown.

Within the document, a couple will establish their rights in relation to any property, financial income, debts, and other assets that may have been purchased between them, acquired from a previous marriage, or acquired individually.

The process of drawing up a prenuptial agreement will usually involve the drafting of a simple list of assets, detailing what is owned by which party at the outset of a relationship. Some people also choose to draw up more complex agreements, which will detail future earnings, inheritance, business assets, or matters relating to children.

For couples that are already married, there is an option to draw up the same agreement in the form of a postnuptial agreement.