Family
Owner Managed Businesses

Annabel Andreou
November 2025

Taylor Swift’s engagement to Travis Kelce might be dominating headlines, but behind the romance is a legal reality every business owner should pay attention to: the prenuptial agreement.

With a billion-dollar empire built on music, branding, and intellectual property, Swift’s lawyers are almost certainly drafting a pre-nup. But here’s the thing ,  you don’t need to be a global superstar to need one. If you own a business, have family wealth, or simply want clarity in your financial future, a pre-nup isn’t just smart,  it’s essential.

What’s a Pre-nup, Really?

A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract signed before marriage or civil partnership. It sets out how assets will be divided if the relationship ends.

In England and Wales, pre-nups aren’t automatically binding,  but since the landmark case Radmacher v Granatino, courts will usually uphold them if:

  • Both parties sign freely
  • There’s full financial disclosure
  • Each person gets independent legal advice
  • The agreement is fair and doesn’t leave anyone in hardship

In short: when done properly, a pre-nup carries serious weight.

Why Founders and Business Owners Should Care

Whether you’re scaling a tech startup or running a family-owned business, a pre-nup can protect what you’ve built. Here’s how:

  • Protecting pre-acquired assets: Like your business, property, or investments.
  • Safeguarding family wealth: Including gifts, inheritances, or shares in a family firm.
  • Providing for children from previous relationships: Ensuring their financial future is secure.
  • Reducing conflict and legal costs: If separation happens, clarity helps everyone move forward.

This isn’t about mistrust. It’s about planning responsibly,  just like you would with shareholder agreements or succession planning.

Common Pre-nup Myths, Debunked

“Pre-nups are only for celebrities.”
Not true. If you own property, have savings, or run a business, you have something worth protecting.

“Signing a pre-nup means you expect divorce.”
No more than writing a Will means you expect to die tomorrow. It’s about being prepared.

“Courts ignore them.”
Not anymore. Properly drafted pre-nups are taken seriously.

Lessons from Taylor Swift’s Engagement

Swift’s assets include royalties, trademarks, and ongoing income from her tours. But the principle applies to any business owner: protect your intellectual property, your equity, and your future.

A pre-nup isn’t about predicting failure. It’s about protecting success.

Practical Tips for Business Owners

  • Start early: Sign at least 28 days before the wedding to avoid pressure.
  • Be transparent: Full financial disclosure is non-negotiable.
  • Get independent legal advice: Each party should have their own solicitor.
  • Plan for change: Include review clauses for children or major life events.

Final Thought

If you’re engaged and you own a business, a pre-nup isn’t just a legal formality, it acts as a strategic move. It protects your legacy, your team, and your future.

At Lawrence Stephens, we help founders and business owners create pre-nups that reflect their values and protect what matters most. If you’d like to explore your options, contact Annabel Andreou today.

Because whether you’re planning a wedding or building a business, clarity is the best foundation.