You’re Not Planning to Get Divorced. So Why the Prenup?

Most people who sign prenups aren’t planning to get divorced. Just like people who buy car insurance aren’t planning to crash. Or entrepreneurs who sign partnership agreements aren’t planning to sue each other.

It’s not about pessimism. It’s about realism. And it’s about protecting what matters.

A prenup is not a bet against your relationship. It’s a framework for how you want to handle life’s big “what ifs.”

Think of it like insurance—except you’re the one who sets the terms

Car insurance doesn’t assume you’re a reckless driver. It just says: if something goes wrong, here’s the plan. A prenup works the same way. You’re agreeing ahead of time on what fairness looks like—when things are good, not when you’re under pressure or emotional strain.

Unlike insurance, though, a prenup isn’t a one-size-fits-all policy. You get to define the terms. What’s separate, what’s shared, what support looks like, how to treat startup equity, or how to approach real estate you bought before the marriage.

Or think of it like a business deal—with more love

When two people go into business together, they sign contracts. They define roles, risks, and responsibilities. They clarify ownership. They plan for exits. No one thinks that means they’re secretly hoping to dissolve the company. It means they’re taking it seriously.

Marriage is more than a business, but it’s not less than a financial partnership. You’re joining your lives—including your finances, liabilities, and long-term plans. A prenup helps you have those conversations up front.

Most people don’t regret having a prenup. They regret not having one.

Especially in California, where default community property laws may not match what you thought was “yours,” it’s better to have clear agreements than to rely on assumptions. Once the marriage starts, so does the shared financial picture—and not always in ways that feel intuitive or fair.

You don’t need to plan for divorce. You just need to be honest about your goals, your assets, and how you want to approach uncertainty—together.

That’s what a prenup is for.