6 top reasons a prenup could save your marriage

Are prenuptial agreements the ultimate romance killer, or a secret weapon for a successful marriage? You read the title of this. While they may not be the most glamorous aspect of wedding planning, prenups can actually be a powerful tool to strengthen your relationship and protect your future. Here are 6 reasons why a prenup might just be the best investment you make for your marriage.

Terms of Engagement

Prenups allow couples to lay out the terms of their relationship in advance, including financial arrangements, rewards and consequences for certain behaviors, and plans for the future. This can help avoid misunderstandings or disagreements later on, which can be especially helpful if one or both partners have significant assets or debts going into the marriage. This is especially helpful for situations when people switch it up after the wedding. Make sure they keep that energy.

Confirm Your Value

A prenuptial agreement can also confirm each partner's value in the relationship. By openly discussing and agreeing on financial and other terms in the prenup, both partners can show that they understand and respect the other's contributions to the relationship. This can help to build trust and a sense of security, knowing that each partner's efforts are recognized and appreciated. In this way, a prenup can actually strengthen a relationship by providing a framework for mutual respect and appreciation, rather than being seen as a sign of distrust or a lack of commitment. Although, this can also be a point where you learn you’re not as valuable as you thought. Be prepared.

Emotional Guardrails

When couples go through a divorce, emotions can run high and lead to vindictive behavior. Having a prenup in place can help to mitigate some of those emotions, as both partners will know exactly what to expect in terms of asset division, alimony, and other factors. During the relationship, it might keep you from pulling the trigger if you know can’t fist them in the divorce. It also prevents divorce attorneys from using their typical “get everything” advice.

In many countries, including the United States, divorce laws operate on a no-fault basis. This means that even if one partner is responsible for the breakdown of the marriage, the other partner may not be able to receive a larger share of the assets or other benefits. This can incentivize the stay-at-home partner to leave, knowing that they will receive a certain amount of support regardless of their actions. However, signing a prenup can make the working partner feel more secure, as they are making the biggest investment in the relationship.

Choose or the Government Will

 If you do not have a prenup, the state will determine the rules of your relationship in the event of a divorce. This means that asset division, alimony, child & pet custody, and other factors will be decided according to state law, which may not reflect your wishes or priorities as a couple. Having a prenup in place allows you to set your own rules and avoid being subject to the default laws of your state. IDK about you but I want the guv’ment out my business as much as possible.

Working Partners = Easy Exit

Finally, if both partners are working, a prenup can make separation easier. If there are no major assets to divide or financial support to consider, a prenup can help to streamline the divorce process and make it less contentious. This is a great option for couple connecting for a purpose like raising a child, citizenship, or health insurance.

The Best Character Test

Discussing a prenup early on in a relationship can reveal a lot about a potential partner's underlying motives and values. If they react negatively, it could indicate a focus on their own financial gain rather than building a healthy relationship. On the other hand, if they are open to the idea, it can create a foundation of transparency and communication for a stronger partnership. Ultimately, discussing a prenup can be a good character test and help identify whether a partner is committed to building a fair and equitable relationship. Keep in mind that once you mention it, you must enact it – Checkov’s Prenup, if you will. Otherwise, a secret resentment might bite you later.

Overall, prenuptial agreements can be a great tool for couples to consider as they prepare for marriage. By laying out the terms of their relationship in advance, they can avoid misunderstandings, mitigate negative emotions, and ensure that their wishes are respected in the event of a divorce.