Planning a wedding can be scary for many reasons. There are certain topics of conversation that couples dread bringing up. For many, discussing a prenuptial agreement, commonly known as a prenup, can feel taboo. People have often viewed discussing a potential divorce as a way of dooming a marriage before it has even begun. However, signing a prenup has become more commonplace than many couples realize. To make yourself feel more comfortable with the discussion, take a look at these facts everyone should know about prenups. 

Prenups Are for Everyone

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding prenups is they are primarily for individuals who have lots of money or assets. While this might be the image created in movies and television series, an agreement of this nature can be beneficial to any relationship. A prenup dictates that you and your partner will walk away in the event of a divorce with everything you came to the table with. No matter how much or little wealth you have, it can be comforting to know you won’t lose what is yours simply because your marriage came to an end.  

They Are Not a Reflection of Your Relationship

Many people believe that asking a partner to sign a prenup is a sign that the relationship isn’t very strong. However, this is far from the case. Though the topic might be uncomfortable, discussing financial matters before tying the knot is actually a responsible choice. Marriage is all about having difficult conversations with your significant other. If you avoid this topic because it makes you feel awkward, you might have a hard time talking about other pressing issues later. Instead of feeling like a prenup is a bad omen, consider it a challenge that must be faced together. 

Some couples avoid talking about financial matters altogether before marriage. A big aspect of married life involves handling money as a team. Having preliminary talks about a prenup can help you feel more comfortable about future conversations centered around your finances. 

Prenups Are About Compromise

Some people believe a prenup is brought to the table because one person in a relationship doesn’t want the other to receive any assets in the event of a divorce. In truth, a couple can take this agreement in a variety of directions. Without a prenup, divorcing couples are required by default to split all finances evenly. By opting for a legal agreement, you and your partner are both given a say in how to divide potential assets down the line. 

What’s more, you can have a lawyer or judge review the document beforehand. A professional can determine whether the prenup is particularly unfair to one of the parties. They can then offer suggestions on how to create a balanced agreement. 

Prenups Make a Potential Divorce Less Involved

While you might view your relationship as perfect at the moment, no one knows what the future holds. People change as the years go on, and sometimes two individuals who were incredibly close can drift apart. It’s understandable that you might not want to consider this possibility now. Thinking ahead is the best way to make a potential divorce less involved down the line. If you’ve already signed a prenup, you won’t need to put forth as much money hiring an attorney to handle your financial matters. This relief can make it easier to get through an already difficult experience. 

Though it might not be a topic you want to bring up directly after getting engaged, discussing a prenuptial agreement before you get married can be a practical decision for a variety of reasons. Keep in mind that a prenup is far from a sign of a weak relationship. Do what you need to do to protect yourself in the event of a split down the line.