With upcoming nuptials of a football player/podcaster who pulled out a ring, one blonde popstar has replaced her paper rings with one that makes the whole place shimmer. Since she found “the 1,” suddenly, everyone is talking about end game love, marriage, and yes, prenups.
What is a prenup?
A prenuptial agreement, or “prenup,” is a legal contract entered into by two partners before marriage. This document can outline how assets, property, income, and debts will be divided in the event of a death, divorce, or separation. Under New Jersey law, couples can use this document to decide:
- Property rights: Who owns what (whether it was bought before or after you began again together), and what is “untouchable” if you separate, divorce, or if one partner is gone in the middle of the night.
- Support: Whether spousal support will be paid, reduced, or waived, because sometimes it’s better to shake it off before money fights start.
- Estate planning: How wills, trusts, or other documents will be set up to carry out your forever & always plan.
- Choice of law: Which state’s laws will apply if there’s ever a dispute, a style choice for your agreement (and you can slay all day).
- Other agreements: Anything else the couple wants to include to fit their unique love story, from how to handle future businesses to who gets the cats. Think of it as your bonus track, as long as it’s not illicit or extremely unfair
The Pros: Why It Might Keep Your Love Story in Style:
- Prenups can give partners peace of mind. Instead of being told, “you’re on your own kid,” if two partners decide they’re never getting back together, there will be “nothing new” to make plans for.
- These documents can mean fewer arguments about money, or other things later down the line, so you and your partner can avoid telling each other “you need to calm down.”
- Having honest talks about money and expectations early on strengthens communication, so no one needs to come out wearing a football helmet to talk about money, or other expectations.
The Cons: Because even Enchanted Stories Have Their Shadows:
- You might be left feeling down bad going from cosmic love to unromantic discussions about death and potential separations.
Debunking Myths
- “A prenup means we’re destined for a cruel summer.”
Not at all. Prenups are about communication and fairness, not doom and gloom. Having a plan won’t leave you feeling down bad going from cosmic love to unromantic conversations.
- “If our love story is forever and always, we don’t need one.”
Even the strongest love stories benefit from planning. A prenup protects both partners, ensuring the focus stays on the love not the logistics.
- “Signing one ruins the fairytale.”
Think of it less as a breakup anthem and more as setting the stage for peace, clarity, and trust.