Common Myths About Prenuptial Agreements
Picture this: you’re sharing the exciting news of your engagement, when someone asks, “Are you getting a prenup?” Suddenly, the room goes quiet. Why does this question make so many couples uncomfortable?
As prenup attorneys in Las Vegas, we’ve sat down with hundreds of engaged couples at Kelleher & Kelleher. Time and again, we’ve heard the same concerns and misconceptions about prenuptial agreements. These myths aren’t just persistent – they’re preventing couples from making informed decisions about their financial futures.
The reality? Modern couples are embracing prenups more than ever before. Young professionals, business owners, and blended families come to us wanting to protect what they’ve built while planning for a strong future together. They’re having open, honest conversations about money and finding that a prenup actually strengthens their relationship. Remember, this isn’t about hoarding your belongings like a dragon. It’s about having an open, clear, and honest discussion about how you got to where you are, and where you both want to go in the future. You’ll discuss how you’ve made your living, and how your future earnings will be treated. You’ll make plans to protect each other from any debt you might be carrying into the marriage. Most importantly, you’ll lay the groundwork for clear headed discussions throughout your marriage.
But if you’re feeling unsure about prenups, you’re not alone. Let’s tackle the most common myths we hear in our practice – from the idea that prenups are only for the wealthy to concerns about trust and fairness. By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll have a clear picture of what prenups really mean for modern couples.
Breaking Down Common Myths About Prenups
As family law attorneys in Las Vegas, we’ve heard every prenup myth out there. Let’s set the record straight with examples and facts that matter to you.
“Prenups Are Only for Wealthy People”
Think prenups are just for millionaires? Think again. At Kelleher & Kelleher, we help couples from all financial backgrounds protect their futures. Teachers, nurses, small business owners, and hourly workers all benefit from prenups.
Meet Mike and Lisa – he’s a firefighter with a small pension, and she owns a food truck. They’re not wealthy by traditional standards, but they both have assets they’ve built up over years that are worth protecting. Their prenup safeguards Mike’s pension and ensures Lisa’s business can grow without complications. It also makes a plan for how they will treat their combined income going forward. Mike and Lisa feel tremendous relief when they finish their plan and prenup because they are protecting their financial foundations while laying a path to success together.
“Getting a Prenup Shows You Don’t Trust Your Partner”
Here’s what we tell our clients: a prenup is about trust, just not in the way you might think. It’s about trusting each other enough to have honest conversations about money. If you can sit together and have this conversation openly and honestly, that takes a tremendous amount of trust on both sides! Think of it this way – years from now you’ll face any difficult conversation with the knowledge that you have both trusted each other before, and you’ll do it again.
Many couples tell us these conversations actually brought them closer together. They learned things about each other’s financial goals and values that might have taken years to discover otherwise.
“Prenups Cost Too Much”
Let’s talk real numbers. Yes, a prenup requires an upfront investment. But compare that to the potential cost of sorting out financial disputes later – both in terms of money and stress. We’ve seen couples spend more on their wedding flowers than on a prenup that protects their entire financial future.
The cost of a prenup through Kelleher & Kelleher varies based on your specific needs, but we work with couples to create agreements that fit their budgets while providing comprehensive protection.
“Prenups Always Favor the Wealthier Spouse”
This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. A well-crafted prenup protects both partners’ interests and prevents anybody from taking advantage of the other. Take Sarah and Tom – she came into the marriage with more assets, but their prenup ensures Tom’s future career growth and contributions to their family are recognized and protected.
Nevada law requires prenups to be fair and reasonable. At Kelleher & Kelleher, we make sure both parties fully understand and agree to all terms. We can help you create an agreement that:
- Protects both partners’ current and future interests
- Recognizes non-financial contributions to the marriage
- Ensures fairness in property division
- Secures both partners’ financial independence
Ready to move past the myths and protect your future? Call Kelleher & Kelleher at (702) 384-7494. Our experienced family law team will answer your questions and help you understand how a prenup can work for your specific situation.