How Does a Prenuptial Agreement Say I Love You?
We know, you're in love! And it's going to last forever!
And we really hope it does. But let's face it. Relationships don't always end well, and the statistics are against us in the United States. Nearly 50% of marriages end in divorce.
That's why a prenuptial agreement is the best way to say I LOVE YOU. It allows you to protect yourself and your future spouse should things go sideways in the future. This is because a prenuptial agreement is created when you are both thinking about each other's best interest.
Here Are Some Common Misconceptions When It Comes to Prenuptial Agreements
Misconception #1: Prenups only protect the rich or wealthy
It’s no surprise that many assume a prenuptial agreement only applies to the ultra-rich, given how rarely it appears in the media except when a high-profile celebrity is getting divorced. In reality, though, a prenuptial agreement can benefit anyone, not just those with immense wealth. First and foremost, there’s no net worth threshold for getting one. It offers the same protections whether someone has $10 million or $100,000, and it can even safeguard an individual who currently has zero assets. For instance, if you’re a stay-at-home parent or earn much less than your spouse, a prenuptial agreement can help even out your financial situation by granting you additional funds or assets. This might include a wealth-equalizing clause (like a lump-sum payout), spousal support, an increased share of property—such as the marital home—and other provisions.
Here’s an example illustrating how a prenuptial agreement can protect both partners, not just high earners. John and Sarah are about to get married. John, who inherited a trust fund, is worth around $20 million, while Sarah—a struggling artist—has about $1,000 to her name. They’ve decided to start a family right away, with Sarah planning to stay home with the children. Their main reason for getting a prenuptial agreement isn’t merely to safeguard John’s fortune; it’s also to ensure Sarah’s financial stability.
According to their prenuptial agreement, John’s preexisting assets remain separate, including a $10 million real estate portfolio and $7 million in investment accounts. If they divorce, Sarah will receive a $3 million lump sum and retain the marital home (since she’s the one staying home with the kids). They also agree that any income John earns during the marriage will be divided fairly between them. This arrangement positions Sarah for success—she gets $3 million, the house, and a share of John’s marital earnings—while simultaneously protecting the bulk of John’s premarital wealth (about $20 million total, minus the $3 million to Sarah) in the event of a split. John feels confident knowing he won’t lose half of his premarriage assets, and Sarah feels secure knowing she’ll be financially supported even if the marriage ends.
Of course, this is just one scenario; they could have negotiated a different deal that would alter the outcome. The key point is that a prenuptial agreement isn’t meant to enrich only one party—it should help both individuals feel protected.
Misconception #2: Getting a prenup means yor in a bad relationship
Some people automatically associate a prenuptial agreement with distrust or a weak relationship. They might say, “We don’t need a prenuptial agreement because our relationship is great.” But remember, many couples who eventually divorce once believed they had a great relationship, too.
Let’s shift the perspective for a moment. Think about car insurance: does having it mean you’re a terrible driver? Of course not—it simply acknowledges that unexpected events can happen, and you want a safety net. A prenuptial agreement works in a similar way, which is why some people refer to it as “marriage insurance.” Just like you may have policies for health, home, car, life, travel, and liability, why not protect your marriage as well? It’s your financial well-being on the line, after all. Getting a prenuptial agreement doesn’t mean your relationship is doomed; it’s simply a precaution for life’s unpredictability, much like any other insurance.
Still need convincing? Take a look at real-life examples: Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have been married for over 22 years, and they made a prenuptial agreement part of their plan. Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman have been happily married for 16 years, also with a prenuptial agreement in place. Both couples have stayed together for the long haul—even longer in “Hollywood years,” which practically count double (though don’t quote us on that!).
Misconception #3: Getting a prenup cost a small fortune
This is absolutely not true. Especially when you consider the cost of dividing up assets through a divorce. On average people pay $2,500+ for prenuptial agreements. However, our Hello Prenup can provide you a legally sound prenup for just $599 per couple. That's just $300 per person!