Why a Prenup Could Be a Smart Move for Your Marriage
September 25, 2025
Marriage is one of life’s biggest milestones—full of love, commitment, and excitement for the future. But it’s also a major financial partnership, and that’s where prenuptial agreements (commonly called prenups) come in. While they sometimes get a bad rap, prenups aren’t just about protecting assets in case things don’t work out. They’re really about building clarity, security, and trust in your relationship from the start.
What Is a Prenup?
A prenup is a legal agreement that couples make before marriage. It lays out how property, debts, and financial responsibilities will be handled if the marriage ends in divorce or separation. It can also address issues like spousal support and help both partners walk into marriage with a clear financial roadmap.
When to Talk About It
Timing matters. The best time to discuss a prenup is well before the wedding date. That way, both partners have space to carefully consider the terms without feeling pressured. Waiting until the last minute can create unnecessary tension, while early conversations encourage calm, thoughtful decision-making.
Clearing Up Misconceptions
Many people assume prenups are only for the wealthy or mean that one partner doesn’t trust the other. In reality, prenups are about financial clarity, not suspicion. They protect both individuals, regardless of income level, and set fair expectations for how money matters will be handled.
What a Prenup Covers
Most prenups outline:
● How assets will be divided if the marriage ends
● Whether spousal support will be paid and under what conditions
● How debts will be allocated between partners
These details help avoid disputes later and give both partners peace of mind.
What a Prenup Can’t Do
Prenups aren’t all-powerful. They can’t decide child custody arrangements, for example—that’s left to the courts to determine based on the child’s best interests. They also can’t override certain state inheritance laws or marital rights.
Why They’re Especially Helpful in Blended Families
When marriage brings together children from previous relationships, finances can get complicated. A prenup helps ensure kids from earlier relationships are provided for, and it creates healthy financial boundaries that can prevent conflict down the road.
Protecting Family Assets
If one spouse has family heirlooms, inherited property, or even a family business, a prenup can ensure those assets remain with the rightful family line. It’s a way to preserve generational wealth and honor family legacies.
The Cost of a Prenup
The price can vary widely depending on complexity, but most range between $1,000 and $10,000. While it’s not cheap, many couples view it as an investment in long-term financial stability.
DIY vs. Hiring a Lawyer
Though online templates exist, prenups are best created with professional legal guidance. Laws vary by state, and a poorly written or incomplete agreement may not hold up in court. Ideally, both partners should have their own attorneys to ensure fairness and transparency.
How State Laws Impact Prenups
Not all states treat prenups the same way. For example, community property states (like California) divide marital assets equally, while other states allow more flexibility. Understanding your state’s rules is key when drafting an agreement.
The Risks of Skipping a Prenup
Without a prenup, the court decides how your property and debts are divided in a divorce. This process can be stressful, expensive, and may not reflect what either partner truly wanted.
Updating Your Agreement
Life changes—whether that’s having children, buying a home, or receiving an inheritance. In those cases, a postnuptial agreement (a “postnup”) can update the original prenup to reflect new circumstances.
When Courts Might Overturn a Prenup
A prenup can be challenged if one partner was coerced into signing, if assets weren’t fully disclosed, or if the terms are grossly unfair. That’s another reason why having good legal guidance is so important.
Choosing the Right Lawyer
Look for a family law attorney who understands prenups and can explain the terms clearly. A strong lawyer helps ensure the agreement is fair, enforceable, and adaptable to future changes.
How a Prenup Can Strengthen Your Marriage
At its core, a prenup isn’t about expecting the worst—it’s about preparing for the future together. It encourages honest conversations about money, sets shared goals, and reduces uncertainty. Instead of being a wedge, it can actually bring partners closer by making finances a source of strength instead of stress.
Sources:
https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/insurance/prenup-gallery/
Disclosure:
This information is an overview and should not be considered as specific guidance or recommendations for any individual or business.
This material is provided as a courtesy and for educational purposes only.
These are the views of the author, not the named Representative or Advisory Services Network, LLC, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named Representative nor Advisory Services Network, LLC gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your Financial Advisor for further information.