Why You Need A Prenup

Love is a many splendid thing, but when it's over there is nothing splendid about it. I'm sure you'll find it strange that this is coming from a person who has yet to marry, but I am wise enough to notice loved ones, friends, and acquaintances who have seen their net worth (self and financial) taken into negative territory because their marriages ended in a nasty money grubbing battle. It's a difficult thing to see but can be avoided with a little bit of planning. We are creatures that can plan ahead for some measure of self preservation and this is something that every person should do. Even if you are not financially well off, you should get one written up and signed to protect yourself should your fortunes suddenly change or if you simply prefer to have the peace of mind of keeping everything you brought into the relationship. This is also necessary for those with children from previous relationships. If you were to divorce, would you want assets or sentimental items to be handed over to your ex or sold to split the proceeds?

There are many tales of multi-million dollar divorces in the sports and entertainment worlds which become hotly debated by some. It astounds me that some people with significant net worth marry without putting the prenup life preserver into place. For these types, the mention of a prenup tends to drive (male and female) gold diggers away, saving you from sharing a life and money with them. Those who are truly in it for love would be just fine with signing one. It is possible that a prenup could be the last litmus test for your relationship before the wedding date.

Keep in mind that prenups can contain whatever you and your spouse agree to. If you prefer that whatever each partner brought to the marriage remain theirs if it were to end, this can also be a part of your agreement. It can also be stipulated that if the marriage were to end after certain length of time that a set amount of alimony would be paid. For those who don't want their partners to let themselves go physically, it can also be stipulated that the partner not gain more than a certain number of pounds in the relationship or pay some sort of penalty which doesn't always have to be monetary. I know that last one sounds mean or crazy, but if it was your spouse who gained an extra hundred pounds or two without a medical reason, you'd very likely wish you put this stipulation into place beforehand as a deterrent.

There are many people who bristle at the mention of a prenup but it is a tool that can be used to protect your interests. Change is the only constant, and people change. Sometimes we, or they, don't change for the best. Think about getting a prenup or a postnup if you're already doing life (kidding!). Almost anything can be placed into a prenup. There are people who prefer to ban smoking, cheating, too much sex, too little sex, excess weight gain, and live-in or visiting in-laws. That last one can be a lifesaver. Enough said.

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