Prenuptial Agreements: Romance Meets Reality

So, you just got engaged… congratulations! 

And now the questions start rolling in…

Do you have a dress?
What’s the wedding date?
Did you book the venue?
Are you sending save-the-dates?
Do you have a prenup?

Wait… what?!?!?!

If that last question caught you off guard, you’re not alone. Many engaged couples feel surprised, or even uncomfortable, when the topic of a prenuptial agreement comes up.

You may be thinking, We don’t need a prenup. We love and trust each other. Talking about a prenup isn’t romantic, not to mention, we don’t even have that much money! 

That’s a very common reaction. But you may want to rethink it.

Why Talking About a Prenuptial Agreement Isn’t the Opposite of Romance

Discussing a prenuptial agreement before marriage doesn’t mean you expect the relationship to fail. In fact, it can do the opposite.

Having the conversation often strengthens communication. It encourages honest discussions about:

  • Money and finances

  • Long-term goals

  • Career plans

  • Expectations within the marriage

  • Debt and financial responsibilities

Instead of signaling distrust, a prenup conversation can signal maturity and transparency.

Reasons Why Couples Avoid Discussing Prenuptial Agreements

There are several common reasons engaged couples don’t bring up a prenup:

1. They Think It Takes the “Magic” Out of the Engagement

When you're on cloud nine, discussing legal documents can feel like a buzzkill.

2. They Believe It Signals Distrust

Some people assume that asking for a prenuptial agreement means they don’t fully trust their partner.

3. They Don’t Think They’re Wealthy Enough

Many couples believe prenups are only for the ultra-wealthy. But a prenup isn’t just about protecting millions — it can address debt, future earnings, and financial clarity.

4. Concerns About Power Imbalance

If one partner earns more or has more assets, the other may feel vulnerable or pressured.

5. Legal Costs Before the Wedding

Wedding planning is already expensive. Adding attorneys and legal fees can feel overwhelming.

All of these concerns are understandable. But they don’t necessarily mean a prenup isn’t worth considering.

What a Prenuptial Agreement Can Actually Do

No one wants to imagine their marriage ending. But even though you're in love today, life can be unpredictable. Preparing for the unexpected doesn’t mean you’re planning for failure, it means you’re being thoughtful.

Many people don’t realize how much a prenuptial agreement can actually cover. A well-drafted prenup can:

  • Protect children from a previous marriage

  • Protect business interests

  • Clarify debt responsibility

  • Define how assets will be divided

  • Provide financial protection before marriage

For couples entering marriage with student loans, a growing business, inheritance expectations, or blended families, a prenup can provide clarity and peace of mind.

Planning for Forever — With Transparency

Marriage planning isn’t just about the wedding day. It’s about building a life together.

A prenuptial agreement isn’t about expecting divorce, it’s about having honest conversations before you say “I do.” And sometimes, those conversations are exactly what make a marriage stronger.

If you’re engaged and wondering whether a prenup makes sense for you, speaking with us can help you understand your options and make an informed decision.

Because planning for forever can include planning wisely. Contact us today to get started.



Valerie Ballinger

Valerie Ballinger, Esq. is the Owner and Attorney of Ballinger Legal, where she helps families and individuals create tailor-made and comprehensive estate plans. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking with her dog, Crew, traveling to National Parks, and staying involved in her kids' sports activities.

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