Demystifying Prenuptial Agreements: They’re Not Just for the Wealthy

For many couples, the word “prenup” still brings to mind images of celebrity divorces, sprawling estates, and millions in assets to divide. But the truth is, prenuptial agreements aren’t just for the ultra-wealthy — and they’re certainly not just about protecting one person’s fortune.

A well-drafted prenuptial agreement is a tool for clarity, communication, and partnership. It’s about entering marriage with transparency and shared understanding. Whether you’re a young couple just starting out, partners each bringing a few assets and some debt, or two professionals with established careers, a prenup helps you build your marriage on a foundation of trust not assumptions. While you may think you've asked all the questions, gotten to know the other person through understanding how they make decisions, their trauma, their desires and goals, but all bets are off if the marriage ends! I always say: DON'T judge a person by how they acted in a divorce. The ending of a marriage can drastically alter how a person may act towards the other spouse so get in writing before you marry and don't bet the person you are marrying is the person you will divorce.

No Minimum Net Worth Required

There’s a common misconception that you need to have a certain level of wealth to “qualify” for a prenup. In reality, there’s no such threshold. The value of a prenup isn’t in how much money you have, it’s in how clearly you define what’s yours, what’s shared, and how future decisions will be handled.

If one partner owns a home, runs a small business, or has student loans, a prenuptial agreement can provide much-needed clarity. For example, if one of you bought a home before marriage, the prenup can define how mortgage payments or appreciation will be handled if you both contribute after tying the knot. If one partner owns a business, even a small side hustle, a prenup can protect that venture from becoming marital property or being disrupted if the marriage ends.

On the other hand, if one partner carries significant student loans or credit card debt, a prenup can ensure the other spouse isn’t financially responsible for obligations they didn’t incur. It can also spell out how you’ll handle joint savings, investments, or future property you purchase together.

Ultimately, the agreement creates a roadmap for how assets and debts are managed during the marriage, not just if it ends helping couples start their partnership with transparency and peace of mind.

A Healthy Step, Not a Hostile One

Many people avoid prenups because they fear it signals a lack of trust. In reality, it’s the opposite. Couples who can have open, honest conversations about finances, goals, and future plans before marriage tend to have stronger, more resilient relationships.

If you’re afraid to have this conversation now, you may not be ready to have a marriage. A prenuptial agreement is an incredible opportunity to have frank conversations about money, priorities, and how you’ll navigate life together. Those conversations aren’t just about protection; they’re about alignment and mutual respect.

Empowerment Through Clearly Written Expectations and Rules of the Game

As an attorney who’s both litigated her own prenuptial agreement (and married twice!) and helped countless couples navigate their prenuptial agreements, I’ve seen how powerful this process can be. It transforms uncertainty into empowerment. It gives both partners peace of mind and the freedom to focus on what really matters: building a life together.

Whether you’re newly engaged or already married (yes, postnups exist too), having this conversation is one of the most responsible and loving things you can do for each other.