Marriage, Money, Rosanne Godfrey-Lockwood, Family Barrister at 4PB explores Gen Z couples and the rise of prenups As a family barrister, I spend much of my professional life dealing with what happens when relationships break down,” shares Roseanne. “That vantage point inevitably shapes how I think about marriage — not cynically, but realistically. It is perhaps unsurprising, then, that one of the most notable trends I have observed in recent years is the growing interest in prenuptial agreements among Gen Z and younger Millennial couples. “Once regarded as the preserve of celebrities or the very wealthy, prenups are now firmly entering the mainstream. Far from signalling a lack of faith in marriage, this shift reflects a broader generational rethinking of what commitment looks like in a modern world — and, in many cases, a desire to approach marriage with clarity, transparency and mutual respect.” Here, Rosanne tells us more… WHY YOUNGER COUPLES ARE EMBRACING PRENUPS Younger generations are marrying later than their parents and grandparents did. By the time many couples reach the altar, they have already built careers, purchased property, launched businesses or accumulated savings — sometimes alongside student debt or other financial obligations. This means they are no longer starting from a blank slate. In my experience, Gen Z clients are far more comfortable having open conversations about money than previous generations. They have grown up against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, rising living costs and widespread awareness of divorce. Many have witnessed the financial and emotional consequences of relationship breakdowns within their own families. As a result, they are often keen to avoid ambiguity. For these couples, a prenuptial agreement is not about planning for failure; it is about understanding each other fully before marriage. It is a way of setting expectations at a calm, constructive moment — rather than leaving difficult questions to be resolved under pressure at a later date. MARRIAGE AS A DUAL PARTNERSHIP We are seeing a move away from viewing marriage solely through a romantic lens. Younger couples are increasingly viewing the union as a dual-faceted partnership: one that is deeply emotional, yes, but also undeniably financial. In previous generations, marriage often marked the beginning of financial life. Couples started with nothing and built everything together. Today, the timeline has shifted. Younger couples are marrying later, often in their late 20s or early 30s. By the time they reach the altar, they have already established independent financial identities. Couples are understandably eager to protect those identities which they have worked hard to create. and ModernLove “ 46
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