Prenups Make Sense—Especially at Midlife

On their fourth date, a tech entrepreneur asked his new companion—a successful marketing executive—if she’d ever consider a prenuptial agreement. Her reply was simple and unexpected: “I will if you will.” That moment sparked an honest, practical conversation about their finances, families, and future plans.

Far from awkward, it was a mutual acknowledgment that love and practicality can go hand in hand—especially for people in their 40s and 50s, who often bring more than just romantic hopes into a relationship.

With careers, investments, and children from prior relationships, many midlife couples are turning to prenuptial agreements as a tool—not because they doubt their love, but because they want to protect their hard-earned assets and clarify financial expectations before saying, “I do.”

Marriage Is Emotional—But Also Economic

Financial expert Rachel Cruze reminds couples that love can sometimes cloud practical thinking. As she and other advisors, including Suze Orman, frequently note, marriage isn’t just a romantic partnership—it’s also a financial one.

That’s especially true for people marrying later in life, where disparities in wealth, property ownership, or financial obligations are more common. A person in their 40s might own a business, hold real estate, or have significant retirement savings. Their partner might be climbing out of debt, supporting children, or expecting a future inheritance.

According to the CDC National Marriage and Divorce Rate Trends, about 40 to 45 percent of first marriages in the U.S. end in divorce. For second marriages, the failure rate jumps to 60 percent, and for third marriages, it reaches a staggering 73 percent.

With statistics like these, it’s not pessimism driving the prenup conversation—it’s prudence.

Who Needs a Prenup?

Not every couple requires a prenuptial agreement. But financial planners strongly recommend them in situations involving:

• Midlife or later-in-life marriages
• Significant wealth disparities
• Business ownership
• Real estate or investment portfolios
• Retirement accounts
• Blended families or children from prior relationships
• Expectations of inheritance or trust distributions

For blended families in particular, prenups can clarify how assets will be passed down. Without one, future inheritance could unintentionally bypass children from a previous marriage. A prenup helps ensure that each partner’s financial wishes—and their children’s futures—are protected.

Prenups also help protect future windfalls, such as inheritances or family trusts. In many states, these are considered separate property—but if they’re commingled with marital assets, their status can become complicated without an agreement in place.

Growing Acceptance—Especially Among Younger Generations

Prenups used to carry a stigma, but that’s changing. According to a 2024 Harris Poll, 42 percent of U.S. adults now see prenuptial agreements as a smart financial tool—up from 36 percent a decade ago. Among younger adults, acceptance is even higher: 52 percent of Millennials and Gen Z respondents view prenups favorably.

For many, the conversation has shifted from “Do you not trust me?” to “How do we build trust through transparency?” A prenup is no longer just about protecting money—it’s also about setting clear expectations and avoiding future conflict.

Today’s prenups go beyond just dividing assets. They can include agreements about spousal support, debts, property division, and even more personal matters—such as what happens in the event of infidelity or who keeps the family pet.

In short, a prenup isn’t just about planning for divorce—it’s about planning for the future, whatever that may look like.

Starting the Conversation

Bringing up a prenuptial agreement can still be a delicate topic, but it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Relationship experts suggest approaching it like any other important financial discussion—with openness, honesty, and mutual respect.

Here are some tips to get started:

• Choose the right moment: Not the first date, but not the day before the wedding either.
• Frame it positively: Focus on long-term planning and fairness, not distrust.
• Use a neutral third party: A financial planner or counselor can help guide the discussion.
• Allow time: Don’t rush. Each partner should consult their own attorney and have time to reflect.

Love, Planning, and Peace of Mind

While it may not be the most romantic part of wedding planning, a prenuptial agreement can bring peace of mind to both partners. It helps protect what you’ve built and gives you a plan for navigating unexpected turns.

For midlife couples in particular—those with children, careers, homes, and savings already in place—a prenup is less about “just in case” and more about doing things right the first time.

Clear expectations and mutual respect are some of the strongest foundations for building a life together.