Prenups Are on the Rise and That’s Not a Bad Thing
Recent news reports have highlighted a growing trend: more couples are choosing to sign prenuptial agreements before saying “I do.” Once thought of as something only celebrities or the ultra-wealthy needed, prenups are becoming increasingly common among everyday couples.
So why the shift?
Because today’s couples are getting married later in life. They often bring homes, retirement accounts, businesses, inheritances, investments, or children from prior relationships into a marriage. They aren’t planning for divorce—they’re planning responsibly.
A Prenup Isn’t Planning to Fail
One of the biggest misconceptions about prenuptial agreements is that asking for one means you expect the marriage to end.
It doesn’t.
No one buys homeowners insurance because they hope their house burns down.
No one carries health insurance because they plan to get sick.
A prenuptial agreement is simply another form of planning for life’s uncertainties.
Every Couple Already Has a Prenup
Many people don’t realize this, but if you don’t create your own prenuptial agreement, the State already has one for you.
It’s called state law.
If a marriage ends in divorce, the law will determine how certain assets and debts are handled unless you and your spouse have made your own enforceable agreement.
A properly drafted prenuptial agreement simply allows you—not the government—to make many of those decisions in advance.
Prenups Can Protect Both Spouses
A good prenup isn’t about one person “winning.”
It’s about clarity.
It can help protect:
A family business
A future inheritance
Retirement savings
Property owned before marriage
Children from a previous relationship
Family land or heirlooms
Certain debts brought into the marriage
In many cases, it can also reduce conflict and uncertainty if the unexpected happens.
The Best Time to Talk About Money
One surprising benefit of a prenup is that it encourages couples to have honest conversations about finances before marriage.
Those discussions often include:
Debt
Spending habits
Savings goals
Retirement planning
Future career plans
Whether one spouse may stay home with children
Those conversations can strengthen a relationship, not weaken it.
Planning Is an Act of Love
A prenuptial agreement isn’t about expecting your marriage to fail.
It’s about respecting each other enough to have honest conversations, protect what matters, and enter marriage with complete transparency.
The strongest relationships aren’t afraid to talk about difficult topics.
They plan for them.
If you’re considering marriage and wondering whether a prenuptial agreement is right for you, speaking with an attorney before the wedding can help you understand your options and protect your future together.
