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Are Prenuptial Agreements Only for the Wealthy? Thumbnail

Are Prenuptial Agreements Only for the Wealthy?

Divorce Finances Women & Wealth


Are Prenuptial Agreements only for the Wealthy?

3 Common Questions asked by “People Like Us” Addressed 

Written by: Rachael L. DeCosta, CDFA® 


It is not only my clients with many commas and zeros in their net worth reaching out regarding Prenuptial Agreements, but also those clients just starting their journey to financial wellness and security. They do not want to endure the pain friends and family have during acrimonious divorces and want to protect their pre- and in some cases post- marital assets.  Equally as important, is not viewing their impending marriage through a tainted lens and demonstrating sensitivity to their fiancé’s feelings regarding Prenuptial Agreements.

3 Common Questions regarding Prenuptial Agreements


1. Is this a bad omen, I am not planning on a divorce?

Of course not. Sadly, the statistics demonstrate that over 40% of marriages end in divorce, and that percentage increases in 2nd and 3rd marriages.  

2. It is not like I have the wealth of Gisele Bundchen or McKenzie Scott.  Why do I need a Prenuptial Agreement?

Prenuptial Agreements are not for everyone, but they are not only for the uber wealthy and celebrities. These are contracts that can protect assets brought into the marriage and/or assets gained during the marriage such as inheritance, gifts and awards in your name.  They can also include other financial concerns that can arise should the marriage end.

3. What if my fiancé thinks a Prenuptial Agreement as a sign of distrust?

In most cases Prenuptial Agreements are not dealbreakers or marriage makers like in the movies.  Prenuptial Agreements have a place and are always optional. 

Financial issues hold the coveted #2 position as the reason why marriages end.  Having an open and transparent discussion about your individual relationship with money, management of finances and current financial assets and liabilities before marriage can avoid conflict later.  The conversation validates trust and intimacy in the relationship. 

Remember:

  • We do not divorce the person we marry, from time-to-time people change and divorce is the best option.
  • Discussing financial issues before marriage, is preparation for the partnership of marriage.
  • Sudden wealth is real! It can come in many ways, not only an inheritance.
  • Reframe the perception of a Prenuptial Agreement, into one that is a positive and serves to protect the marriage.

As somebody who, in my second marriage, insisted on a prenuptial agreement, I can also testify that sometimes it is an act of love to chart the exit strategy before you enter the union, in order to make sure that not only you, but your partner as well, knows that there will be no World War III should hearts and minds, for any sad reason, change.

-Elizabeth Gilbert

If you or someone you know is embarking on the remarkable journey of marriage for the first, second or even third time, please consider having the financial conversation with your soon-to-be spouse.  At Sandbox Financial Partners we can help facilitate the financial discussion and identify solutions. Together we develop a financial plan that grows with you providing a roadmap for your financial security today and in the future. Should your discussion lead to a Prenuptial Agreement, please reach out to your attorney for assistance, or we are happy to provide names of attorneys we have vetted in the Washington DC area. 

Please visit us at www.sandboxfp.com or contact us here or email me rachael@sandboxfp.com.