Complete Family Wealth, 2nd Edition

CHAPTER 15Prenuptial Agreements

Introduction

Around 40 percent of first marriages in the United States, 60 percent of second marriages, and 70 percent of third marriages end in divorce.¹ Despite those numbers, only about 10 percent of married people believe that they have a chance of getting divorced, and over 60 percent of people believe that just bringing up the possibility of a prenuptial agreement would increase their chance of divorce. It is not surprising, then, for engaged couples who are presented with the idea of getting a prenup to say, “This feels like negotiating the end of my marriage before it's even begun!”

Nonetheless, it is important for couples at least to consider a prenup, especially when financial capital or a family ...