Prenuptial agreements have been growing more popular over the years. While part of the reason may be the high divorce rate — children who saw their own parents get divorced may be more likely to plan for it when they get married — another reason is simply age.
Studies have found that couples these days put marriage off longer than they have in the past. Someone getting married at 18 or 20 years old may not have considered a prenup, while someone getting married at 30 or 32 may absolutely want one.
After all, the longer people remain single, the more time they have to built up their own assets. Some of them have significant earnings by the time they get married. Some have started businesses and want to protect them. Others own homes or condos. Most have purchased cars, many of them new and expensive. Some have started saving for retirement or investing their money.
That’s not to say that younger brides and grooms do not have the same concerns, but it is more likely that someone who delayed marriage a bit longer has more assets. They have a way of life that they want to protect. The same is true for their spouses. Couples may be receptive to prenups because they both feel like the documents can help protect their own interests if the marriage ends.
Do you think that a prenup is right for you? Are you getting married in your 30s, rather than your 20s? If so, make sure you fully understand the legal process you and your significant other will need to follow to draft this important document.