In the past, prenuptial agreements (or "prenups" for short) have had a reputation as being a source of encouragement for divorce, but does the same hold true today? In order to answer this question, it's important to understand why prenups received this reputation in the first place. To get there, let's take a deeper look at what a prenup actually is.
What is a Prenuptial Agreement
According to NOLO, a prenuptial agreement is a written contract created by two people before they are married that defines the property each person owns (including any debts) and specifies each person's property rights in case of divorce. Given the unfortunate circumstance for which it was created, it's understandable why it's often seen as a potential escape route should things turn sour, but why is that perspective becoming outdated?
How the Reputation is Changing
Nowadays, things are a little different. Stagnating wages and higher costs of living have prompted Millennials to become more cautious about how they spend their money. Add any student loans to the mix, and spending habits become even more stringent. This is what has led easy payment apps like Venmo and no fee banking apps like Chime to become so successful. The truth is, Millennials want to account for all of their money. This is nothing to be ashamed of. After all, the vast majority of us were raised to put career advancement before settling down. In doing so, many have accrued more assets along the way. So, it's only natural that more and more couples are considering the possibility of getting a prenup.
When to Consider Getting a Prenup
There are many arguments to be made for why getting a prenup can be a good thing. For starters, it's generally a good idea to understand your financial rights and responsibilities at an early age. In the unfortunate event of a divorce, many couples are astonished by how their wealth and assets are divided, and are left dealing with the messy aftermath that can further complicate the relationship. This doesn't have to be the case, though. In general, the people that benefit the most from a prenup are:
- Those looking to sustain a positive relationship.
- Those concerned with sharing debt with their partner.
- Those concerned with alimony distribution.
- Those looking to pass on property to children from prior marriages.
At the end of the day, whether you decide to get a prenup or not is up to you. It doesn't cast a negative shadow on your relationship or imply that you don't believe in forever. Rather, it's a sign that you and your partner are capable of peaceful and transparent communication. What could be better for a relationship than that?