About prenup.nz

prenup.nz explains prenups, in law, contracting out agreements under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976, in plain English. It is written for New Zealand couples planning a future together: moving in, getting engaged, buying a home, or bringing unequal assets into a relationship.

The site exists because the gap between what couples assume and what the Act actually does is large, and the people most affected rarely find out until it matters. The Act's default rules can divide the family home and other property equally after about three years, whether or not a couple ever decided that. The guides here explain those rules and the agreement that lets couples choose their own, early, while the conversation is easy.

Every guide cites its sources, primarily the Act itself on legislation.govt.nz and the Community Law Manual, and shows the date it was last updated. The guides use New Zealand law and New Zealand terminology throughout.

All information published on prenup.nz is general information only and is not to be construed as legal advice. We strongly recommend seeking independent legal advice about your own situation. A contracting out agreement is only binding once each partner has received independent legal advice from their own lawyer, who witnesses and certifies each signature, as section 21F of the Act requires. Read the full disclaimer.

Start with what is a prenup or see how to get started.