A Complete Guide to Prenups in England & Wales for High Net Worth Individuals

Prenuptial agreements (often referred to as prenups) can offer clarity, protection, and peace of mind — but only if structured properly, both in content and formality. This guide aims to be a thorough resource: covering definitions, enforceability, international issues, drafting tips, challenges, best practices, and common questions around prenups.

Why timing and transparency matter more than you think

For many people, moving in with a new partner is a natural and positive step — especially if their former marriage or relationship has been emotionally over for some time. Legally, there’s nothing to stop you from beginning a new relationship or even living with someone else after separation.

In today’s global world, it’s increasingly common for couples to marry overseas — whether it’s a destination wedding on the Amalfi Coast, a religious ceremony in Delhi, or a private celebration on a beach in the Caribbean. But once the wedding is over and life returns to the UK, one key question often arises:

Is our marriage legally recognised in England and Wales?

Divorce can be emotionally difficult and financially challenging. One of the first questions people ask is, “Who pays for the divorce?” or “What are the legal fees and who covers them?” If you're navigating a divorce in England or Wales, this guide explains how divorce costs are handled, including who pays solicitors' fees, what court fees apply, and how costs are shared (or not) between separating spouses.

How Are Long-Term Incentive Plans and Share Options Handled in a Divorce?

In this article, we’ll explore how LTIPs and share options are considered by the courts, how they are valued, and what strategies exist for their division during divorce.

Dividing rental investment properties during a divorce in England and Wales involves intricate legal and tax considerations. These properties may be liable to being treated as matrimonial assets and as such could be subject to division in financial remedy proceedings. The court aims for a fair distribution of all the classes of assets in a case, considering factors such as each party's financial needs, contributions, and the welfare of any children involved. 

Divorcing a banker presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to understanding and dividing complex forms of remuneration such as bonuses, share options and deferred compensation. These financial packages impact both spouses and are often highly structured, variable, and contingent on future performance or continued employment — making it far from straightforward to achieve a fair and accurate divorce settlement.

In this guide, we’ll explore how Duxbury calculations work, when they are used, their benefits and limitations, and how they apply in high net worth divorce cases. Whether you're considering a clean break or evaluating ongoing spousal maintenance, understanding this model is essentials.

Divorces involving high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) often present unique complexities, particularly when assets include private equity interests. Unlike cash or publicly traded shares, private equity assets—such as carried interest, limited partnership stakes, and co-investments—are often illiquid, contingent on future performance, and subject to restrictions on transfer. These factors pose significant challenges in valuation and division during divorce proceedings.

The temptation to hide wealth from a financial settlement can be strong, especially in a high net worth divorce—but hiding assets in a divorce is not only unethical, it is illegal and carries severe consequences. From offshore accounts to hidden business interests, this article explores how people attempt to conceal assets, how family lawyers uncover them, and the significant risks and penalties involved.

Parental alienation can occur when one parent deliberately undermines the child’s relationship with the other parent. These behaviours can have serious consequences, including emotional harm to the child and strained relationships within the family. An alienated child often faces emotional distress and confusion due to negative influences from a parent, which can lead to long-term challenges in understanding their relationships with each parent.

Divorce is a life-changing event that affects many aspects of your life, including your financial arrangements and your future plans. One area often overlooked is the impact divorce can have on your current will.

Every January, headlines resurface claiming that the first Monday of January is “Divorce Day” – the name given to the supposed peak time when couples rush to lawyers to file for divorce. Read the thoughts of our Paralegal, Estelle Lluch.

This week saw the UK acknowledge Economic Abuse Awareness Day amidst latest research that shows that, in the last 12 months nearly one million UK women were prevented from leaving a dangerous partner because of economic abuse.

We are delighted to announce that Ribet Myles has been named as one of the The Times Best Law Firms for 2025 for the 3^rd year running.  

Ribet Myles has been shortlisted for the 2025 International Powerwomen Awards in the Female Leadership: Organisation of the Year category.

Ribet Myles has once again been ranked in the prestigious Chambers and Partners UK Guide 2025.

Ribet Myles has expanded the team with a trio of paralegals bringing fresh support for the firm’s growing case load.

Ribet Myles has moved up the rankings in one of the world’s leading independent guides to law firms in the UK, The Legal 500 UK Solicitors’ Guide 2025.

Navigating a high net worth divorce is a complex and multifaceted process that requires careful consideration of various legal, financial, and personal factors