Baku, September 25, 2025
Once seen as rare and even taboo, prenuptial agreements are steadily gaining traction among young couples in Azerbaijan. Legal experts say more newlyweds are approaching marriage with a pragmatic eye, reflecting global shifts in how family, property, and financial responsibility are understood.
What a prenup covers
A prenuptial agreement is a legally binding document that defines the rights and obligations of spouses – both during marriage and in the event of divorce. It can outline ownership of property and business assets, financial responsibilities, child custody and support arrangements, as well as how debts are to be managed.
Lawyer Anar Ramazanov explains that the primary purpose of such contracts is to prevent lengthy court battles and protect both parties from uncertainty.
“It’s essentially a roadmap that spares couples from bitter disputes in court,” he told local media.
In Azerbaijan, a prenup can be signed not only before marriage but also during married life. Couples may even convert assets acquired before the marriage into a contractual regime.
A divided public opinion
The rise of prenups has sparked debate. Supporters, particularly among younger professionals and business owners, see them as a sign of maturity and responsibility. “It doesn’t kill love – it makes relationships more transparent,” one supporter said.
Opponents argue that a contract undermines trust.
“Marriage is about faith in each other. If you’re already thinking of divorce, why get married?” said one critic.
Growing demand
While official statistics are not available, lawyers and notaries report a noticeable increase. In the early 2010s, such agreements were extremely rare; today, law offices in Baku say they see dozens of requests each month.
From taboo to mainstream
Local media, including a recent report by KhazarTV, highlight that prenups are no longer viewed as purely Western imports but are becoming part of Azerbaijan’s legal culture. For many, they represent not distrust, but foresight.
