Common Myths About Prenups You Should Stop Believing

Common myths about prenups you should stop believing include the idea that they’re only for the wealthy, that they signal mistrust in a relationship, or that they make divorce inevitable.

Prenuptial agreements—often called prenups—are one of the most misunderstood tools in modern relationships. Pop culture paints them as cold, unromantic, or only for celebrities and the super-rich. In reality, prenups are practical, protective, and increasingly common among everyday couples who want clarity and financial peace of mind.

If you’ve been curious about prenups but unsure what to believe, let’s clear up the confusion. Here are the most common myths about prenups—and the truth behind them.

1. “Prenups Are Only for Rich People.”

Truth: Prenups protect anyone with income, debt, or property.

You don’t need a mansion or millions in the bank to justify a prenup. Most couples today bring something into a marriage—student loans, savings, a business idea, or even a car. A prenup helps outline what happens to assets and debts if the marriage ends.
Whether you make $300k a year, financial clarity is for everyone.

2. “Getting a Prenup Means You Don’t Trust Your Partner.”

Truth: It’s about communication, not mistrust.

Couples who can discuss money openly tend to have healthier marriages. A prenup forces honest conversations about budgets, goals, spending habits, and expectations.
It’s not a sign of distrust—it’s a sign of maturity and teamwork.

3. “Prenups Guarantee a Divorce.”

Truth: Prenups don’t cause divorces. Poor communication does.

Some believe talking about “what if we break up?” will plant the seed for divorce. History proves the opposite. Couples who create prenups often feel more secure because they know where they stand and avoid financial fights later.

4. “Prenups Are Not Enforceable.”

Truth: If properly drafted, prenups hold up in court.

Every country—or state—has its own rules, but generally, prenups are valid if:

• Both parties signed voluntarily
• There was full financial disclosure
• Both had time to review it
• The terms weren’t unfair or coercive

A good lawyer is key, but enforceability isn’t the issue people think it is.

5. “Only Men Benefit From Prenups.”

Truth: Prenups protect both spouses—often women even more.

Women increasingly out-earn men. Women also start businesses, invest, and build assets before marriage. A prenup can:

• Protect career breaks during motherhood
• Ensure fair spousal support
• Shield personal income
• Protect property or inheritance

Prenups work in everyone’s favor when they’re fair.

6 “Prenups Can’t Be Changed Later.”

Truth: You can update, amend, or replace them.

Life changes—people have kids, start businesses, change careers, or acquire new assets. Prenups can be reviewed years after marriage and modified with a postnuptial agreement. You’re never “stuck” with the original terms.

7. “Prenups Are Only About Divorce.”

Truth: They also handle what happens during the marriage.

Many prenups include:

• How finances will be managed
• Joint vs. separate bank accounts
• How major decisions will be made
• How debt will be handled
• What happens to property if one spouse dies

Think of it as a financial roadmap for the relationship—not just an exit plan.

8. “Talking About a Prenup Is Unromantic.”

Truth: Love doesn’t cancel reality—and responsible planning is romantic.

There’s nothing romantic about financial chaos, resentment, or disputes if something goes wrong. True love plans for the future—all of it.
Couples who can handle difficult conversations tend to have stronger, more emotionally secure relationships.

Empowerment, Not Fear

Prenups aren’t meant to break couples apart—they help build marriages on a foundation of clarity and fairness. Instead of thinking of them as a sign of mistrust, think of them as a sign of responsibility, transparency, and teamwork.

If you want a long-lasting marriage, you need trust and structure. A prenup gives you both.

FAQs About Prenuptial Agreements

1. Are prenuptial agreements legally binding?

Yes. Prenups are legally binding as long as they meet the requirements of your country or state—usually including full disclosure, voluntary agreement, and fair terms.

2. Can we create a prenup without a lawyer?

You can draft one yourselves, but having lawyers review it is strongly recommended. Without legal oversight, the agreement may be challenged or invalidated later.

3. Do prenups only cover assets?

No. Prenups can cover assets, debts, spousal support, financial responsibilities during the marriage, inheritance, business ownership, and more.

4. Can a prenup determine child custody or child support?

No. Courts do not allow prenups to predetermine child custody or child support because decisions involving children must prioritize the child’s best interest at the time of separation.

5. Can a prenup protect me from my partner’s debt?

Yes. A prenup can clearly separate pre-marriage and future debts, ensuring one spouse isn’t held responsible for the other’s financial liabilities.

6. Are prenups only for people with lots of money?

No. Prenups are for anyone who wants financial clarity, protection, and peace of mind—regardless of income level.

7. Can a prenup be changed after marriage?

Yes. Couples can revise or replace a prenup with a postnuptial agreement if their financial situation or goals change.

8. Will asking for a prenup upset my partner?

It depends on how you communicate it. Approaching the conversation with honesty, respect, and mutual benefit often leads to constructive discussions.

9. Do prenups hold up in court?

Most do, provided they’re fair and properly drafted. Agreements created under pressure or without proper disclosure are more likely to be challenged.

10. How early should we sign a prenup before the wedding?

It’s best to complete the prenup weeks—or even months—before the wedding. Last-minute agreements may raise concerns about coercion.