Prenuptial Agreements in Spain

What it is

A prenuptial agreement, often called a prenup, is a written contract a couple signs before marriage or a civil partnership. It sets out how money, property and debts will be split if the relationship ends in divorce.

Who it is for

When a marriage ends, sharing out what the couple owns can lead to worry and arguments. Agreeing on this in advance makes things clearer for both partners. A prenup is often useful for people who:

• own a lot before the marriage
• expect to inherit money or property
• have children from an earlier relationship

Who can sign one

Both partners must be adults, which usually means 18, or 16 with a judge's permission. They must be able to understand what they are signing. A person who cannot fully manage their own affairs may still sign in some cases, with help from a parent, guardian or legal representative.

What the service includes

• Writing an agreement that fits the couple, with their own rules for the marriage and a possible divorce
• Listing what each partner owns and owes, and how it would be divided
• Explaining how the local legal system treats such agreements
• Handling everything privately and in confidence
• Support from lawyers who work on family and divorce matters