“Marriage is a contract. Not a fairy tale.”
That quote stopped me in my tracks the first time I read it. Not because it was cynical, but because it was true—and painfully overlooked.
Every year, over 600,000 couples tie the knot in the United States. Love is in the air, sure. But here’s the reality: roughly half of those marriages will eventually end in divorce. That’s not fear-mongering—it’s just the math. So why are so many of us walking into one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions of our lives with no roadmap, no agreement, no plan?
That’s where the prenup agreement comes in.
Let’s talk about what it actually is, why it’s more empowering than awkward, and how modern couples (yes, even in love) are using platforms like HelloPrenup to make smart, protective choices before walking down the aisle.
Not Sure If a Prenup Is Right for You? Take the Prenup Quiz
Before we go any further—take our quick Prenup Quiz to find out if a prenuptial agreement might be a smart move for your relationship. It’s free, takes less than 2 minutes, and will give you personalized insight based on your situation.
What Is a Prenup Agreement, Really?
Let’s cut through the misconceptions.
A prenuptial agreement (or prenup) is a legal contract between two people before marriage. It outlines how assets, debts, income, and even spousal support will be handled if the marriage ends—by divorce or death.
Think of it like a financial safety net. It’s not about expecting failure. It’s about preparing for possibilities. A prenup agreement can:
- Define separate vs. marital property
- Protect inheritances or family businesses
- Outline how debts are divided
- Set terms for spousal support
- Clarify financial expectations in the marriage
Here’s the truth no one tells you: A prenup agreement isn’t about mistrust. It’s about mutual respect. You’re having hard conversations now, so you don’t have to fight about them later.
Who Actually Needs a Prenup Agreement?
Short answer: Everyone.
Yes, even if you’re not rich. Even if you don’t own a business. Even if you’re marrying for the first time.
Here’s why:
1. You Have Student Loans or Credit Card Debt
One partner bringing in major debt? A prenup agreement can keep that debt from becoming marital liability. It protects both parties from financial stress down the road.
2. You Own a Business
Without a prenup agreement, a divorce could mean your spouse walks away with part of your company. If you built something from the ground up, protect it.
3. You’re Entering a Second Marriage
If you have kids from a previous relationship, a prenup ensures your assets are preserved for them.
4. You Plan to Stay Home with Kids
If one of you plans to step back from work, a prenup can outline spousal support or compensation for that lost earning power.
Bottom line? If you have income, assets, or debt—and most adults do—you need a plan.
“But Isn’t It Unromantic?”
This one comes up a lot. Look, it’s perfectly normal to feel uncomfortable at first. Talking about divorce before a wedding feels backward. But here’s the twist—it’s actually incredibly intimate.
When done right, a prenup conversation isn’t about planning your exit. It’s about transparency, trust, and future-proofing your love. It says: I want to be fair to you no matter what happens.
In fact, couples who talk openly about finances before marriage report higher levels of relationship satisfaction. Why? Because they go in with clarity, not assumptions.
What Should a Prenup Agreement Include?
A prenup isn’t one-size-fits-all. It should reflect your values and situation. But here are some common areas covered:
1. Property and Asset Division
What’s yours? What’s shared? A prenup agreement can clearly outline which assets remain separate property and which are considered marital.
2. Debt Responsibility
Let’s say your partner brings in $50,000 in student loans. Do you want that to become your problem in a divorce? Probably not.
3. Spousal Support (Alimony)
You can waive it, agree to it, or outline specific terms. Keep in mind: some states may not enforce extreme clauses, so stay reasonable.
4. Inheritance Protection
If you expect to receive a future inheritance—or want to ensure your kids do—a prenup can shield those assets.
5. Business Ownership
Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a silent partner, your prenup agreement can prevent your business from becoming marital property.
How to Bring It Up Without Starting a Fight
This is the tricky part for most couples. So here’s what I recommend:
1. Start Early
Don’t wait until the wedding invites go out. Start the conversation 4–6 months in advance—when you’re both calm and open.
2. Make It About “Us,” Not “Me”
Say something like, “I think it’s important we protect each other and be clear about our financial goals. What do you think about doing a prenup together?”
3. Use a Neutral Resource
That’s where HelloPrenup shines. It’s an affordable, online platform that lets couples create a legally sound prenup without lawyers breathing down your neck (or charging $5,000 per hour). It’s collaborative, modern, and designed for couples—not corporations.
Why I Recommend HelloPrenup
Okay, real talk: most traditional prenup processes are expensive, awkward, and intimidating. You call a lawyer, spend thousands, and often end up with documents that feel more like a battle plan than a partnership agreement.
HelloPrenup flips that on its head.
Here’s what makes them stand out:
- Affordable – Plans start at a fraction of the cost of hiring a traditional attorney
- Collaborative – You and your partner fill it out together, step by step
- Customizable – Built-in legal logic ensures your agreement complies with state laws
- Easy to Use – Clean interface, smart questions, and lawyer-reviewed templates
It’s the modern prenup solution for couples who want clarity and connection.
💡 Affiliate Note: I proudly partner with HelloPrenup because I believe in empowering couples with tools that work. If you decide to use them through this link, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting thoughtful content like this!
The Legal Side: Is a Prenup Always Enforceable?
Great question. Not always.
For your prenup agreement to be enforceable, it must be:
- Voluntarily signed by both parties (no coercion!)
- Fair and reasonable at the time it’s signed
- Fully disclosed (you both list assets, income, and debts honestly)
- Signed well before the wedding—some states require a “cooling-off” period
- In writing and notarized
💡 Pro tip: Even if you’re using HelloPrenup, it’s smart to each consult a separate attorney just to confirm everything checks out. This boosts enforceability and fairness.
What Happens If You Don’t Get a Prenup?
If you skip the prenup, you’re not avoiding a plan—you’re defaulting to your state’s divorce laws.
Some states divide assets 50/50. Others divide them “equitably” (which can still feel unfair). Either way, the government decides how your money, debt, property, and potentially your business gets split.
Ask yourself: would you rather define the rules now with your partner… or let a judge decide later when emotions are running high?
Common Myths About Prenup Agreement
Let’s debunk a few things that might be floating in your head:
❌ “Prenups are only for rich people.”
Nope. They’re for anyone who wants to protect what they’ve built or plan to build.
❌ “They’re a plan for divorce.”
They’re a plan for clarity. Clarity is the best defense against conflict.
❌ “They’re unromantic.”
Isn’t love about trust, honesty, and long-term vision? A prenup agreement is all of those things, on paper.
Prenup and Peace of Mind
There’s something incredibly powerful about putting things in writing.
A prenup agreement isn’t just legal paperwork. It’s a reflection of how you want to treat each other—fairly, thoughtfully, and respectfully. It’s a way to protect both partners. It’s about building trust, not tearing it down.
And with tools like HelloPrenup, it’s never been easier to take that step.
Marriage is a beautiful commitment. But love is stronger when it’s informed. So before you walk down the aisle, take the time to sit down, talk it through, and make a plan. You both deserve that peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Let’s normalize the prenup conversation. Let’s make it just as standard as planning the honeymoon or choosing the cake.
Ready to find out if a prenup is right for you?
👉 Take the Prenup Quiz now and start the conversation with confidence.
If you’re preparing for marriage—or even thinking about it—do yourself a favor: visit HelloPrenup. You’ll be surprised how empowering the process can feel.
No fear. No stigma. Just a smarter way to love.