Prenup Pros and Cons: The Honest Couple’s Guide (2025)

Well, here's something that might surprise you: 47% of engaged or married millennials now have prenups. That's nearly half. Compare that to the overall adoption rate of just 15-20%, and you'll see why your generation is leading a massive shift in how couples think about marriage and money.

And honestly? It's not just the ultra-wealthy signing these agreements anymore. The median net worth of people getting prenups today is around $78,000. That's right—we're talking middle-class couples, not billionaires. In fact, 84% of women who get prenups have less than $500K in liquid assets.

So if you're wondering whether a prenup makes sense for you and your partner, you're definitely not alone. Let's break down what you actually need to know—the real benefits, the honest drawbacks, and how to figure out if this is right for YOUR relationship.

Want to skip the $8,000 attorney bill? Modern platforms like HelloPrenup let you create state-specific prenups for just $599—we'll show you how below.

First Things First: What Even Is a Prenup?

A prenuptial agreement (or “prenup” if we're keeping it casual) is basically a contract you and your partner sign before getting married. It spells out how you'll handle money and property if—let's be real—things don't work out. To understand the full scope of what can be included, check out our complete guide to prenuptial agreements.

Here's what it typically covers:

• Which assets stay separate vs. become shared
• How you'll split property if you divorce
• Who's responsible for which debts
• Spousal support terms (aka alimony)
• Inheritance protection for kids from previous relationships

What it CAN'T cover: Anything related to children—custody, visitation, or child support are off-limits in all 50 states. Courts decide those bashttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/marriage-divorce.htmed on what's best for the kid at the time of divorce, not what you agreed to years earlier.

The Massive Trend You're Part Of

Okay, but why are so many couples in their 20s and 30s suddenly getting prenups? Well, the numbers tell a pretty clear story.

Back in 2010, only 3% of married couples had prenuptial agreements. Fast forward to today, and we're looking at 15-20% overall—but here's where it gets interesting:

• 47% of millennials (born 1981-1996) have prenups
• 41% of Gen Z (born 1997-2012) have them
• That's a 400% increase in just over a decade

And get this: 52% of prenups are now initiated by women. That's a complete reversal from the historical norm where men typically pushed for these agreements.

Why the shift? A few big reasons:

You're marrying later. The average age at first marriage is now 30 for men and 28 for women (up from 23 and 21 back in 1965). That means you've had more time to accumulate assets, build a career, start a business, or rack up student loan debt.

You've seen what happens without one. Only 62% of millennials were raised by both parents, compared to 85% of boomers. Witnessing your parents' messy divorce creates a pretty practical mindset about protecting yourself.

Women's economic power is rising. More women are breadwinners, business owners, and tech leaders. The old assumption that husbands would “take care of” wives financially? Yeah, that's outdated.

Student debt is crushing. Gen Z carries an average of $94,101 in student loans. Millennials have around $59,181. That's a massive liability you might not want your spouse inheriting.

The Major Benefits (8 Reasons Couples Say Yes)

Now that we've set the stage, let's dig into why prenups might actually strengthen your relationship. (Yes, you read that right—we'll get to the data in a sec.)

1. Forces Financial Transparency (And That's a GOOD Thing)

Here's a stat that might blow your mind: 83% of couples felt MORE connected after creating their prenup.

Wait, what? Isn't a prenup supposed to be unromantic and cold?

Well, here's the thing. To create a valid prenup, you're required to disclose ALL your assets, debts, income, and financial obligations. No hiding. No surprises. Full transparency.

As Kara M. Bellew, partner at Rower LLC, puts it: “Being open and honest about property, finances, and expectations before the wedding may be one of the most beneficial aspects.”

Think about it—you're having conversations about money that many couples avoid for years. You're getting on the same page about financial values, spending habits, and long-term goals. That's relationship gold right there.

2. Protects You From Your Partner's Debt (Student Loans, Anyone?)

Okay, but let's get practical. One of the biggest reasons couples get prenups today? Debt protection.

The median debt carried by prenup signers is $30,000, with many people bringing $100,000+ in student loans into the marriage. And here's the kicker: 95% of couples with prenups keep premarital debt separate.

Without a prenup, depending on your state, you could become responsible for your spouse's debt. Community property states (California, Texas, Arizona, and six others) can be especially tricky—debts incurred during marriage might become joint obligations even if only one person benefited.

Your prenup can specify: “Your student loans from before we met? Those stay yours. My credit card debt? That's on me.” Clean. Simple. Fair.

3. Shields Your Premarital Assets (Not Just For the Rich)

Remember that $78,000 median net worth we mentioned? That might be a house down payment you saved, retirement accounts you've been building since your first job, or an inheritance from your grandparents.

75% of couples with prenups keep their premarital assets separate. This means:

• The savings account you built before meeting your partner stays yours
• That rental property you bought at 25? Protected
• Your investment portfolio? Remains in your name
• The business you started in college? Can't be divided in divorce

And it's not just about protecting what you have NOW—it's about protecting what these assets become. If you bought $10K in stock before marriage and it grows to $100K during marriage, a prenup can specify that growth stays yours.

4. Saves You a Fortune If You Divorce

Let's talk dollars and cents. The average divorce attorney charges $270 per hour. A contested divorce with a week-long trial? That can easily hit $150,000 or more.

Compare that to the cost of creating a prenup:

• Traditional attorney prenup: $5,000-$20,000 (average $8,000 per couple)
• Online platforms like HelloPrenup: $599-$1,997 total

One HelloPrenup user reported saving $95,000 in divorce costs because their prenup made property division straightforward. No court battles. No endless legal fees. Just refer to the agreement and move on.

Even if you never divorce, you're essentially buying insurance for way less than the potential claim.

5. Protects Your Business (Entrepreneurs, Listen Up)

If you're a business owner, startup founder, or even running a side hustle, here's something you need to hear: prenups are “arguably most critical” for entrepreneurs, according to CNN. Our detailed guide for business owners covers this extensively.

Without a prenup, your business could be:

• Valued and divided in divorce court
• Forced into a sale to pay your ex-spouse their share
• Disrupted by your ex gaining ownership stake
• Subject to claims on future growth and appreciation

Your prenup can protect your intellectual property, business interests, and ensure your company survives your personal relationship ending. It can establish valuation methods upfront so you're not fighting about what your startup is “worth” when emotions are running high.

6. Preserves Inheritance for Your Kids

Here's a sobering stat: 56% of people who get prenups had a previous marriage. For many, protecting children from a first relationship is the #1 priority.

Without a prenup, your new spouse could potentially claim a significant portion of your estate, leaving less for your kids. A prenup can specify: “This inheritance I'm expecting from my parents? That goes to my children, not my spouse.”

Data shows 75% of prenup users are expecting inheritances valued between $1 million and $1.5 million, and 90% keep these separate in their agreements.

7. Gives You Control (Not the State)

Here's something most couples don't realize: if you DON'T have a prenup, you're still following a prenup—it's just the one your state wrote for you.

As attorney Kaylin Dillon explains: “If you don't get a prenup, state laws can't address everyone's situation appropriately.”

Some states split everything 50/50 (community property states). Others use “equitable distribution” which sounds fair but actually just means “whatever the judge thinks is fair.” You know who knows what's fair for YOUR relationship better than a judge who's never met you? You and your partner.

With a prenup, you write your own rules.

8. Provides Clarity on Spousal Support

This one's huge for couples with income disparity or when one partner plans to stay home with kids.

A prenup can guarantee a minimum alimony amount for both parties, which is especially important for the person sacrificing their career. Without it, you're at the mercy of whatever the court decides is “fair” years down the road.

For stay-at-home parents, this protection is critical. You're giving up earning potential, career advancement, and retirement contributions to support the family. Your prenup can ensure that sacrifice is recognized financially if the marriage ends.

The Real Drawbacks (6 Honest Concerns)

Okay, but it's not all sunshine and roses. Let's be real about the downsides.

1. It Feels Unromantic (And That's Valid)

Here's the uncomfortable truth: 63% of people say they'd feel intimidated if their partner asked them to sign a prenup.

There's this perception that planning for divorce means you're expecting it. Like putting a fire escape on your house somehow makes it more likely to burn down.

The counterpoint? As one expert put it: “Like homeowners insurance doesn't mean your house will burn down.” You're preparing for an uncertain future, not manifesting a bad outcome.

But yeah—it's still an awkward conversation. It requires sitting down with your partner and saying, “Hey, what happens if we don't make it?” That's uncomfortable at best, relationship-threatening at worst.

2. Can Create Relationship Tension

Attorney Kaylin Dillon warns: “If your relationship's not at a place for awkward but healthy conversations, prenup negotiations can be like tinder to a fire.”

If there's already a power imbalance—one person earns way more, one feels less secure in the relationship—bringing up a prenup can amplify those dynamics.

Some partners view it as a sign of doubt. “If you really loved me, you wouldn't need this.” “Are you already planning our divorce?” These aren't easy accusations to navigate, even if they're not entirely rational.

3. Risk of Unfair Agreements

Attorney Corrie Sirkin reports reviewing prenups that are “indeed, one-sided.” This is especially risky when:

• One person has way more money and pays for both attorneys
• One partner is pressured to sign without independent legal review
• The terms are “unconscionable”—leaving one person with basically nothing

Here's the thing: courts CAN and DO throw out prenups that are grossly unfair. But that requires a legal fight, which defeats the whole “avoid expensive litigation” purpose.

The fix? Both partners NEED independent legal representation. Not the same lawyer. Not your rich uncle who “knows law.” Separate attorneys reviewing the agreement to make sure it's fair to both of you.

4. Hard to Modify Later

Life changes. You switch careers. You have kids. Your startup gets acquired for millions. Your spouse develops a disability and can't work.

Okay, but here's the problem: once you've signed a prenup, changing it is a pain. You can't just unilaterally decide to update it—you need your spouse to agree. And if they won't? You're stuck with the terms you agreed to years ago.

Technically, you CAN amend prenups, but it requires both parties signing off, hiring attorneys again, and going through the whole process. It's doable, just not easy.

5. Can't Include the Most Important Thing (Your Kids)

All 50 states prohibit prenups from determining child custody, visitation, or support. Zero exceptions.

Why? Because children have independent rights, and courts decide based on “the best interest of the child” at the time of divorce—not what you thought was fair when you were engaged and didn't even have kids yet.

If child-related issues are your main concern, a prenup won't help you. That's determined during divorce proceedings regardless of what your prenup says.

6. Might Be Unnecessary For Some Couples

If you're both coming in with minimal assets, similar income levels, no debt, and no kids from previous relationships… honestly, you might not need a prenup.

As attorney Michael Doman points out: “If you're coming in with money and you don't need a prenup to protect it if you just keep it in your own account.”

In some cases, simply keeping separate accounts for your premarital money and not commingling it achieves the same goal for free.

Okay, But Should YOU Get One?

Here's where we get practical. Prenups make the most sense for these scenarios:

You definitely should consider a prenup if:

• One of you owns a business or has substantial income-generating assets
• Significant wealth disparity (that $250,000 median net worth gap we mentioned)
• Either of you has kids from a previous relationship
• You're expecting a large inheritance
• One of you is bringing significant debt ($50K+ student loans, business debt)
• This is a second or subsequent marriage
• One partner is giving up their career to stay home with kids

You probably DON'T need one if:

• You're both starting from scratch financially (similar minimal assets)
• You have similar income and earning potential
• No significant debts on either side
• No children from previous relationships
• You're comfortable with your state's default divorce laws
• Neither of you owns a business or expects significant wealth transfers

How to Actually Have the Conversation

Alright, so you've decided you want a prenup. Now comes the hard part: bringing it up with your partner. If you're unsure when to start, our prenup vs postnup guide explains the critical timing differences.

Timing matters: Start this conversation 3-6 months before the wedding, minimum. Springing it on your partner a week before the big day? That's a recipe for disaster (and might actually invalidate the prenup for “coercion”).

Choose your setting: Private, relaxed environment. Not during a fight. Not when you're stressed about wedding planning. Maybe during a walk or over a quiet dinner at home.

Use “we” language: Instead of “I want you to sign a prenup to protect MY assets,” try “I think WE should consider how to protect both of us financially.”

Frame it as mutual protection: “This isn't about me not trusting you—it's about both of us going into marriage with clarity and protection. You'd be protected from my debts, and I'd be protected from yours.”

Lead with the connection stat: “Did you know that 83% of couples actually felt MORE connected after creating their prenup? It forced them to have honest money conversations they'd been avoiding.”

Acknowledge it's uncomfortable: “I know this feels unromantic. I wish we didn't have to think about divorce when we're planning a wedding. But with divorce rates where they are, I think it's the responsible thing to do.”

What It Actually Costs (And Your Options)

Let's talk money. You've got three main options. For a detailed breakdown of all costs involved, see our complete prenup cost guide.

Option 1: Traditional Attorney ($5,000-$20,000 per couple)

• Average cost: $8,000 per couple
• Timeline: 3-6 months
• Each of you hires your own lawyer
• Fully customized to your situation
• Best for: Complex estates, high-net-worth couples, lots of assets to protect

Option 2: Online Platforms Like HelloPrenup ($599-$1,997)

• Base cost: $599 for state-specific prenup
• Optional attorney review: $699 per partner (total $1,997)
• Timeline: Can complete in 1.5 hours
• State-compliant for 48 states (expanding to all 50)
• Best for: Most couples under age 40 with straightforward situations
• Start your prenup with HelloPrenup – same-day document generation

Option 3: Generic Legal Forms Like RocketLawyer ($20)

• Cheapest option but…
• ⚠️ NOT state-specific and likely UNENFORCEABLE
• One-size-fits-all template that doesn't meet individual state requirements
• Best for: Nobody, honestly—false economy if it gets thrown out in court

The HelloPrenup Middle Ground:

For context, the average wedding costs $26,720 and the average engagement ring is $5,978. A HelloPrenup prenup at $599 represents just 2.2% of your average wedding budget.

Compare that to potentially losing half your assets in divorce, or paying $150,000+ in legal fees for a contested divorce, and it starts looking like pretty cheap insurance.

Get started with HelloPrenup today and complete your state-specific prenup in under 2 hours for less than your wedding photographer costs.

Common Myths We Need to Bust

Real-World Examples

When Prenups Protected:

• Britney Spears & Sam Asghari (2022-2023): Prenup protected Britney's $60M fortune. 14-month marriage ended quickly and cleanly—”he doesn't get a dime.”
• Sophie Turner & Joe Jonas (2023): “Ironclad” prenup kept Sophie's Game of Thrones earnings separate and Joe's music royalties separate. Only child custody matters remained to determine.

When Lack of Prenups Got Expensive:

• Jeff Bezos & MacKenzie Scott: No prenup. MacKenzie received 25% of Amazon stock in one of the most expensive divorce settlements in history.
• Tiger Woods & Elin Nordegren: Original prenup said $20M after 10 years. They renegotiated during the scandal, final settlement was $110M after just 7 years.
• Kelsea Ballerini & Morgan Evans: Their prenup had a 20-year expiration clause. She filed just after it expired, exposing her to division of assets she'd hoped to keep separate.

Bottom Line: What You Need to Remember

Here's what it comes down to:

Prenups have gone mainstream for your generation. You're not weird for wanting one—you're part of a 47% majority among millennials.

They're not just for the wealthy. They're for anyone with assets to protect, debts to shield their partner from, or a desire to control their own financial destiny rather than letting state laws decide.

Yes, the conversation is uncomfortable. But 83% of couples report feeling MORE connected after the process—not less.

The cost is minimal compared to potential divorce costs. $599-$8,000 now vs. $150,000+ later.

And most importantly: having a prenup doesn't make divorce more likely. It just makes it less devastating if it happens.

Want to explore if a prenup makes sense for you? Start by having an honest conversation with your partner about your financial situations, fears, and goals. If you decide to move forward, HelloPrenup makes it possible to create a legally valid, state-specific agreement for less than your wedding flowers cost—complete it tonight from your couch in under 2 hours.

You're not planning for failure. You're planning for your future—together and individually. And honestly? That's one of the most loving things you can do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are prenups only for wealthy people? No. The median net worth of people getting prenups is $78,000. Only 7% have over $1M in assets. This is about protecting what you've worked for, regardless of the amount—whether that's $10K in savings or a $200K business.

Will asking for a prenup ruin my relationship? Research shows 83% of couples felt MORE connected after creating their prenup. The process forces honest financial conversations that strengthen relationships. However, timing and approach matter—start the conversation 3-6 months before the wedding, not days before.

Can a prenup protect me from my partner's student loans? Yes. 95% of couples with prenups keep premarital debt separate. If your partner has $100K in student loans and you have none, a prenup can specify that debt remains theirs alone, protecting you from liability.

Do both people need separate lawyers? While not required in every state, it's STRONGLY recommended. Courts are more likely to uphold prenups where both parties had independent legal representation. Without separate attorneys, one party could later claim they didn't understand what they were signing.

What happens if we never get divorced? Then your prenup sits in a drawer and you never think about it again—just like homeowners insurance when your house doesn't burn down. The process of creating it still benefited you by forcing important financial conversations and alignment.

Can we change our prenup after we're married? Yes, through an amendment that both parties sign. However, it requires hiring attorneys again and going through a similar process. Some couples also create postnuptial agreements to update terms based on changed circumstances.

What can't be included in a prenup? All 50 states prohibit prenups from determining child custody, visitation, or child support. Courts decide these based on “the best interest of the child” at the time of divorce. You also can't include illegal provisions or “lifestyle clauses” (especially in no-fault divorce states like California).

How much does a prenup cost? Traditional attorneys charge $5,000-$20,000 per couple (average $8,000). Online platforms like HelloPrenup cost $599-$1,997. Generic templates cost $20 but are likely unenforceable.

Do prenups expire? Not automatically, unless you include a “sunset clause” (which can be risky—see the Kelsea Ballerini case). Most prenups remain valid indefinitely unless both parties agree to modify or terminate them. They can be reviewed and updated as your financial situation changes.

Will a prenup protect my business? Absolutely. Prenups can protect your business interests, intellectual property, and prevent your spouse from claiming ownership stake or forcing a sale in divorce. This is especially critical for entrepreneurs and business owners. Learn more in our business owner prenup guide.