Supplier Spotlight: Benaters Attorneys, Notaries & Conveyancers

Supplier Spotlight is an editorial series by Top Wedding Suppliers, profiling leading names in the wedding industry and offering insight into the ideas, processes, and perspectives shaping exceptional events.

The strongest marriages aren’t built on assumptions – they’re built on honest conversations.

More than a legal document

“An ante-nuptial contract represents a decision the two of you have made together about how you want to build your life,” Shaun explains.

“It’s not a lack of trust.”

As both legal professionals and a married couple who have built a business and family together, they understand that these conversations are deeply personal.

“We believe in family, both in our practice and at home. To us, an ANC is simply an extension of that.”

Rather than focusing on what might go wrong, they encourage couples to see it as a thoughtful conversation about protecting one another and making intentional decisions for the future.

 

Breaking the biggest misconception

One myth continues to surface time and again.

“Many people believe ante-nuptial contracts are only for wealthy couples or that signing one means you’re planning for divorce.”

In reality, the opposite is true.

Whether protecting a small business, ring-fencing debt, providing clarity for blended families or simply ensuring both partners understand their financial position, an ANC offers certainty regardless of income.

“Ultimately, it gives both partners peace of mind.”

 

Why timing matters

One piece of advice comes up repeatedly in Shaun’s conversations with engaged couples:

Don’t leave it until the last minute.

“Couples should speak to an attorney as soon as they’ve booked their wedding date.”

Because an ante-nuptial contract must legally be signed before the wedding ceremony, waiting until the final week often creates unnecessary pressure.

“Drafting and negotiation can take several weeks, especially if a couple’s financial situation is more complex.”

Like every other important part of wedding planning, giving the process enough time leads to better decisions.

 

Keeping the conversation human

Legal discussions can feel intimidating.

Benaters deliberately takes a different approach.

“We keep it warm and practical rather than clinical.”

Rather than overwhelming couples with legal terminology, they focus on listening first.

“As a husband-and-wife team ourselves, we understand these conversations aren’t just legal – they’re personal.”

That perspective helps couples feel comfortable asking questions and making decisions together.

 

Every couple is different

There is no such thing as a standard contract.

“A young couple starting out has very different needs to someone who owns a business or has children from a previous marriage.”

Every agreement begins with understanding each couple’s unique circumstances.

What assets are being brought into the marriage?

Are there businesses?

Debt?

Children?

Future plans?

Only then does the legal drafting begin.

“It’s never about templates,” Shaun explains. “It’s about protecting what matters most to each couple.”

 

The work couples never see

Many people believe the process ends once the documents are signed.

In reality, that’s only part of the journey.

“An ante-nuptial contract still needs to be registered at the Deeds Office before it’s legally valid.”

It’s one of many behind-the-scenes responsibilities that couples rarely think about, but one that Benaters manages on their behalf.

 

Does talking about money ruin the romance?

Shaun sees it differently.

“Nothing kills romance faster than financial disputes down the line.”

Open conversations about finances aren’t unromantic.

They’re an act of care.

“They remove uncertainty, build trust and allow couples to walk into marriage with clarity rather than assumptions.”

 

The strongest preparation happens before the paperwork

Interestingly, Shaun believes the contract itself is only the final chapter.

“The real preparation happens in the conversations before any document is signed.”

As a couple who built both a marriage and a business together, Shaun and Roxanne know first-hand that successful relationships depend on open discussions about money, goals, responsibilities and expectations.

“The ante-nuptial contract simply records decisions you’ve already made together.”

 

A final word

Before choosing flowers…

Before finalising the menu…

Before debating seating plans…

Have the money conversation.

“Couples spend hours planning their wedding day,” Shaun says, “yet often only speak about finances once, right before signing.”

His advice is refreshingly simple:

“Talk about money before you talk about seating plans.”

Because honesty isn’t just the foundation of a good contract.

It’s the foundation of a good marriage.