Pre-nup deals 'may save marriages'

Legally binding pre-nuptial agreements could help more marriages survive, a leading divorce lawyer has claimed.

Vicki McLynn, a senior associate at law firm Pannone, said German heiress Katrin Radmacher's long legal battle with her former husband over her 100 million fortune gave the deals greater power in determining how a couple's assets are split.

If such deals are given full legal recognition, couples who have avoided getting married because of the risk of having to make costly pay-outs may decide to go down the aisle, she said.

"They will be eagerly awaited by individuals who have amassed assets having put off marriage to develop a career, and by those who are keen to protect what they still have after going through divorce previously."