Marriage, Money, and Modern Love: Gen Z and Millennials

"As a family barrister, I spend much of my professional life dealing with what happens when relationships break down," says Rosanne Godfrey-Lockwood, Family Barrister at 4PB. "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 re thinking of what commitment looks like in a modern world — and, in many cases, a desire to approach marriage with clarity, transparency and mutual respect."

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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. 

Prenups as practical, proactive tools
When drafted properly, a prenuptial agreement is a flexible and thoughtful document. It can protect assets acquired before the marriage, clarify how future wealth is treated, and set out how financial responsibilities are shared. Importantly, it can also address debt — an issue of particular relevance to younger generations.

Crucially, modern prenups are increasingly collaborative rather than adversarial. They encourage full financial disclosure and open dialogue, helping both partners understand where the other is coming from. In that sense, they often function as much as a relationship exercise as a legal one.

I often explain to clients that a prenup is akin to an insurance policy or a will: something you hope never to rely upon, but are glad to have in place. It does not predict divorce any more than life insurance predicts tragedy. It simply acknowledges that life is unpredictable.

A new way of building wealth
Another important factor driving this shift is the way younger couples build and manage wealth. Many no longer rely on a single, linear career path. Instead, they may juggle multiple income streams, entrepreneurial ventures or investment portfolios alongside traditional employment.

By the time they marry, both partners may have distinct financial identities — and rightly wish to retain a degree of independence within the relationship. Prenuptial agreements can help strike that balance, recognising individual contributions while still committing to a shared future.

The nature of wealth itself has changed, and this is perhaps the greatest driver of the "Gen Z Prenup." Younger professionals are building wealth differently. They aren't just bringing a savings account and a car to the marriage; they are bringing diverse and complex asset portfolios.

In my area of expertise, we often see young couples with:
•    Established Careers: High-earning individuals who have spent a decade climbing the corporate ladder.
•    Entrepreneurial Ventures: Gen Z is the most entrepreneurial generation yet. Many enter marriage owning or part-owning start-ups, digital businesses, or scale-ups with significant future growth potential.
•    Multiple Income Streams: From side hustles and freelance portfolios to digital assets and cryptocurrency, the modern balance sheet is more "fragmented" than it used to be.
•    The Bank of Mum and Dad: With the UK housing market as it is, many young couples receive help from parents to secure a first home. A prenup is often a condition of that gift, ensuring that family inheritance or deposits remain protected for future generations.

From my perspective, this reflects maturity rather than self interest. It allows couples to enter marriage as equals, each bringing something of value to the partnership, rather than assuming an automatic merging of everything without discussion.

A sign of confidence in marriage, not doubt
Perhaps the most important point to make is this: the rise of prenups among Gen Z does not mean younger generations believe less in marriage. They simply understand the financial reality and consequences associated with it. Perhaps the internet, and more specifically, AI has just made it easier to understand those consequences.

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