Pre-nuptial agreements will be taken up by middle classes, say lawyers

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

David Ruck, head of family law at Gordon Dadds, said: "I think we will see middle-class people with assets considering them as they come to be seen as not just the preserve of the rich."

The cost of drawing up a pre-nup where the assets run to several millions and are spread across the world starts at around £5,000 and can run to tens of thousands in very complex cases. However, for a typical middle-class couple with a flat each and some other modest assets the bill is likely to be only £500 to £1,000.

Pre-nups may be particularly popular among older couples marrying for the second or third time who wish to protect the financial interests of children from previous relationships.

Although the case of Katrin Radmacher, which saw judges rule 8-1 in favour of the German paper heiress, does not make a pre-nup legally binding — legislation will be required for that — it gives them far more weight.