For generations, prenuptial agreements have carried a certain stigma. Many couples viewed them as unromantic, unnecessary, or only for the ultra-wealthy.
But today, I see a major cultural shift is underway. Millennials and Gen Z are changing the conversation around prenups, turning them into tools of empowerment, transparency, and protection.
As a family law attorney, mediator and psychologically trained medical professional with over 35 years experience, I have drafted thousands of prenuptial agreements.
After working with many Millennials and Gen Z clients, I can tell you unlike their parents and grandparents, Millennials and Gen Z grew up during times of financial uncertainty like the 2008 recession, overwhelming student debt, rising housing costs, and a rapidly changing job market. These realities have strongly shaped how they approach marriage and money and why they are embracing prenups!
Here are some reasons why having a prenuptial agreement is important:
- Student Debt & Finances: Many young adults carry significant student loans. A prenup can clarify responsibility for debt, ensuring one spouse doesn’t get stuck with the other’s financial baggage in a divorce.
- Delayed Marriages: Millennials are marrying later than previous generations, often after building careers, businesses, and assets worth protecting.
- Equality in Marriage: Younger generations value fairness and partnership. Prenups are seen as agreements that protect both spouses, not just one.
- Destigmatization of Divorce: Having witnessed high divorce rates, Millennials and Gen Z want to avoid messy, costly litigation by putting safeguards in place early.
One of the biggest misconceptions about prenups is that they only protect millionaires. Today, Millennials and Gen Z are using them for more than just dividing property:
- Debt Protection: Assigning responsibility for student loans, credit card debt, or business liabilities.
- Business Interests: Protecting startups, professional practices, or side hustles.
- Digital Assets: Defining ownership of cryptocurrency, intellectual property, and even social media accounts.
- Family Protection: Safeguarding inheritances, gifts from parents, or assets meant for children from prior relationships.
By expanding the scope, prenups now reflect the realities of a digital, entrepreneurial, and debt-heavy generation.
Why Having the Conversation Is Smart, Not Unromantic
For many young couples, discussing a prenup is part of building a healthy foundation for marriage. Instead of seeing it as a lack of trust, Millennials and Gen Z see it as:
- A way to encourage open, honest discussions about money.
- A plan for the unexpected, similar to health or life insurance.
- A tool for fairness, ensuring both parties know where they stand.
Just as couples discuss wedding plans, future children, or where they’ll live, they now see discussing finances and prenups as part of responsible relationship planning.
What Many Couples Overlook When Drafting a Prenup
In my experience as a family law attorney, I find that even though prenups are becoming more common, many couples still miss important details that can make a big difference later. I tell clients a well-drafted prenup should cover more than just dividing assets:
- Debt Responsibility – Clarify who is responsible for student loans, credit cards, or business debts.
- Future Inheritances & Gifts – Decide how inheritances and family gifts will be treated.
- Business Ownership – Specify how a business will be managed or divided in case of divorce.
- Real Estate – Define ownership of property purchased before or during the marriage.
- Spousal Support/Alimony – Establish expectations for financial support if the marriage ends.
- Digital Assets – Address cryptocurrency, online businesses, intellectual property, and social media accounts.
- Children From Prior Relationships – Ensure assets are preserved for children outside the marriage.
- Lifestyle Clauses (optional) – Some couples include agreements about pets, charitable giving, or family traditions.
Covering these points ensures the prenup truly protects both spouses and reduces the chance of expensive legal battles down the road.
If you are a Millenial or Gen Z and are getting ready for your beautiful Fall wedding and can’t wait to walk down the aisle, call me first!
When it comes to navigating the sensitive, complex process of drafting a prenup, experience matters!
Over the last 35 years, I have creatively crafted thousands of prenups for professionals, business owners, high-net-worth individuals, and couples simply looking to protect each other with clarity, compassion and love.
I can do this for you too!
Schedule your free prenup consultation right now by calling 212.734.1551.
I look forward to speaking with you!
Remember, prenuptial agreements are no longer just about wealth or mistrust, they’re about love, protection, partnership, and planning for the future.
Warm regards,
Lois