For Hollywood actors and pop stars, pre-nuptial agreements are as important a part of getting married as the icing on the wedding cake.

Once seen as only necessary for the rich and famous, a prenuptial agreement - also sometimes referred to as a premarital agreement - is becoming more common among couples in the UK, according to Darlington law firm Latimer Hinks.

The purpose of a formal, written agreement entered into before marriage is to record how the couple wish to divide their assets in case the marriage breaks down.

It is often the dividing of spoils that causes the most conflict when a couple divorces.

Judith Middleton, of Latimer Hinks, says that what most couples do not realise that if a break-up turns sour, they have more to lose than they think.

"That favourite armchair or chipped mug can become a bone of contention in an acrimonious split," she said.

"A pre-nuptial agreement allows both parties to agree on a fair and acceptable division of property, personal possessions and financial assets."

Couples considering second maybe even third, marriages, as in actor Tom Cruise's case, may have particular reason to consider a pre-nuptial agreement.

Having lost part of their capital already through divorce, they will be keener to preserve it after a remarriage.

Ms Middleton said that pre-nuptial agreements were not yet legally binding in Britain.

However, there are proposals to change the law and she welcomed plans to make pre-nuptial agreements legally binding here.

She said: "I think it's a good thing that we are moving forward.

"The proposals to introduce pre-nuptial agreements include certain conditions.

"Both partners will have to seek independent legal advice and there is a cooling-off period to make sure both parties are happy with the conditions.

"Making a will is also something that may get forgotten in all the excitement surrounding a wedding but, once again, it is vital to ensure that your property is disposed of as you wish."

Ms Middleton added: "Given their age gap, I am sure that this is something Miss Holmes has already considered."