Why a Prenup is Not Only a Good Idea but Critical.
You know what Barry Bonds and your future divorce have in common? His ex-wife Sun got screwed so hard by a prenup that it literally changed the law. Here's what happened: Sun Bonds walked away from a marriage with nothing. Zero. While Barry kept his millions. Her prenup was so lopsided it resembled legal theft. She fought it, lost, and the courts rewrote the rules. Now prenups have to be “fair” to both parties.
So when people tell you prenups are just about protecting the wealthy person's assets, remind them that the law literally had to be rewritten because of how badly one woman got played.
Here's what a prenup actually is: a conversation about money saying, “Here’s the truth of our financial baggage, our debts, our assets, and what we expect from each other” before we're knee-deep in wedding planning and can't think straight.
In our in depth conversation with fellow attorney Rachel King, we talk prenup highs and low. And here’s 3 things we wish people knew about prenups.
Here's what most people don't know about prenups that can destroy them:
The "7-Day Rule" kills 90% of prenups - California requires signing at least 7 days before the wedding Last-minute prenups are void.
Separate Lawyers or Bust - No independent counsel creates invalidation risk. Both parties have to have their own lawyers unless one you waives the lawyer requirement in a written statement (silly move)
California's Alimony Requirement - If you waive alimony, you MUST have an attorney; otherwise, it's an invalid prenup
As more Americans getting on board with prenups, the narrative is starting to shift. The people calling prenups "unromantic" are the same ones who think love conquers all while drowning in credit card debt. Money problems kill marriages faster than almost anything else. A prenup forces you to get real about your financial situation before you legally tie your lives together.
And yes, more people are getting them because more people are getting smarter about protecting what they've built. That's not cynical - that's responsible.
Stop letting other people's hang-ups about money dictate your financial future.
Want to sharpen your own relationship radar? Tune in to Season 6 of the Legally Uncensored Podcast. We'll simplify the chaotic, the intricate, and everything that falls in between. Let’s be honest: love can often feel like a battlefield, and sometimes expert guidance is necessary to help you maneuver through the challenges. Join us for the discussion and be part of the conversation!