Are you planning on getting married and want to know if you should get a prenuptial agreement?

Well, let me break it down for you…

While most brides and grooms agonize over table settings and flower choices, most completely overlook one of the most critical conversations they'll ever have before marriage.

While wedding preparations are happening, many couples don't even think about protecting their financial futures and creating a strong prenuptial plan.

The truth is: Prenuptial agreements are no longer only for the wealthy or Hollywood.

Why you should or shouldn't consider getting a prenuptial agreement

You may not want to hear this but…

47% of millennial couples who are currently engaged or married have signed a prenuptial agreement. That's almost half of young couples prioritizing their financial security before marriage.

What's even more shocking…

Even though divorce rates are at 40% to 50% for first marriages nationwide, most people still expect to be the exception and that a prenup won't be necessary for their marriage.

The problem is love alone doesn't pay the bills if your marriage hits rocky times.

Signing a prenuptial agreement with your future spouse isn't just for planning for divorce or financial failure.

It's about taking control of your marriage by removing money stress and uncertainty from the relationship so that you can focus on building a happy and healthy future together.

When you hire a knowledgeable expert prenuptial agreement attorney, you're not just getting paperwork and forms.

You're creating peace of mind and financial security for you, your partner, and your family for life, no matter what your relationship faces in the future.

The unexpected advantages of creating a prenup

You might think that prenups are only for the ultra-rich and celebrities to protect their money.

Guess what?

Prenuptial agreements have many valuable benefits that go far beyond that. The best ones today are created to help protect and strengthen a couple's financial future, no matter what their income level is. Let me share with you the most compelling reasons to get a prenup…

Protect individual assets

The most obvious advantage? It can keep what you already have in your name.

If you owned property, had investments, or built a business before tying the knot, without a prenup those assets are automatically considered shared property. Divorce laws for your state could mean they're evenly split 50/50, even if you worked for years to build them up before ever meeting your spouse.

Shield from partner's debt

One thing most people don't think about is…

When you marry someone, you don't just share the money and the good things.

You could also potentially become responsible for their debts. If your future spouse has student loan debt, credit card debt, or business liabilities, you could be on the hook for them without a prenup to protect you.

A well-written prenuptial agreement can safeguard you from taking on financial issues that aren't yours from the start.

Clarify financial expectations

Don't want to have arguments about money in your marriage?

A prenuptial agreement forces you to have those cringe-worthy money talks before the big day.

Couples create clear agreements on everything from paying shared expenses to what happens if one person wants to be a stay-at-home parent.

Interestingly enough, this process can actually help strengthen your relationship since you'll both be on the same page regarding financial expectations from day one.

Protect children's inheritance

Remarrying? This is one for you…

If you have children from a previous marriage, without a prenup they may not receive the inheritance you want to pass down to them after you pass. A prenup ensures they still get what you intended to leave them.

Key facts you must know before signing

Signing a prenup isn't as easy as filling out some forms you found online.

Remember both parties must have separate legal representation.

It's not just recommended but essential for the prenuptial agreement to even be valid in court.

Having the same lawyer would be a conflict of interest so each party must hire their own attorney.

It can also take 4-6 weeks to complete the process, not something to leave until the week before the wedding.

Courts can and will throw out prenups that were signed under duress or without adequate time to review.

Full financial disclosure from both partners is required.

Both parties must reveal all assets, debt, and sources of income. Hiding anything, even small things, can invalidate the entire prenuptial agreement.

Another thing many people are surprised by…

Prenups cannot cover all topics.

Child custody and child support will always be decided by the court, no matter what's in the prenup. The agreement also cannot contain illegal terms or anything that is unconscionable.

Busting the biggest prenup myths out there

Here are some prenup myths I hear all the time, along with the truth…

"Prenups are unromantic and mean you don't trust your partner"

WRONG!

Creating a prenuptial agreement is the opposite and one of the most responsible things a couple can do.

Both parties are being completely transparent about finances and collaborating on the best way to protect their future. It shows trust and maturity in a relationship.

"Only the wealthy need prenups"

WRONG again.

Financial protection isn't just about millions of dollars in the bank.

If you have any significant assets at all– whether a car, retirement account, or even a small savings account — a prenup can help protect it. Plus, it also protects against debt and establishing healthy financial ground rules benefits every marriage.

"Prenups make divorce more likely"

NOPE.

The data actually show the opposite.

Couples who create prenuptial agreements are more likely to discuss money matters honestly throughout their marriage. Honest financial conversations usually lead to happier and more stable relationships.

The bottom line

Prenuptial agreements have gone from tools for the ultra-wealthy to practical and sensible protection for modern couples at all income levels.

If you're about to say, "I do," then take the time to at least explore your prenup options. Even if you decide not to get one, the process will improve your relationship and help you understand how your state's divorce laws work.

Remember…

You buy insurance for your car and home. You get health insurance. A prenuptial agreement is insurance for your financial future. You hope you never need it, but you'll be so glad you have it if you ever need it.

It can feel weird to talk about it, but your future self will thank you that you had this conversation.

Wrapping up the essentials

A prenuptial agreement isn't planning for failure in a relationship; it's taking control and planning for success. A new generation of couples is waking up to the fact that protecting their individual assets, clarifying financial expectations, and even shielding themselves from potential debt with a prenup are moves that actually help build stronger and healthier relationships.

Whether you're planning your first or third marriage, whether you have significant assets or are just starting to build your wealth, a prenup can provide the peace of mind and confidence you need to focus on what's important in a marriage.

Don't let myths or embarrassment stand in the way of protecting your future. Hire a qualified family law attorney to discuss your options and make an informed decision for you and your family.