Experts Advise Couples to Discuss Prenups Before Marriage

Family law attorney explains when and why couples should consider prenuptial agreements.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

With Valentine's Day approaching, many couples are focused on wedding plans and romantic proposals. However, financial experts say there's another important conversation worth having early on: prenuptial agreements. A family law attorney explains the different types of prenups, when couples should consider them, and how to approach the discussion in a way that strengthens communication between partners.

Why it matters

Prenuptial agreements can help protect both partners financially, even if divorce never happens. They can be especially beneficial for couples with significant wealth disparities, business owners, or those expecting an inheritance. Discussing a prenup before an engagement can help avoid unnecessary tension later on.

The details

There are two main types of prenuptial agreements: Type A, which secures premarital property, and Type B, which is more complex and can define how property and debt accumulated after marriage will be divided. Type B prenups require both parties to have legal representation. Postnuptial agreements, signed after marriage, can also be used to address financial matters. Experts advise couples to have the prenup discussion well before wedding planning to maintain open communication.

  • Valentine's Day is on February 14, 2026.

The players

Cenitha Mayes

A woman who said a prenup never made sense for her and her husband, Michael, as they can't imagine life without each other.

Michael Mayes

Cenitha Mayes' husband, who agreed with her that a prenup never made sense for their relationship.

Megan Herrington

A woman who agreed to a prenup when her husband brought up the idea before proposing, as she wanted to protect assets she had created and her education.

Garrison 'Bud' Klueck

A family law attorney who explained the different types of prenuptial agreements and why couples should consider them.

Alicia Gonzales

A woman who said strong communication can make the prenup discussion easier for couples.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It sounds like I'm going to protect my money, but I love you.”

— Cenitha Mayes

“What I had done and maybe the businesses I created, and the education that I put myself through, that was mine, and that's mine to keep. And I'm OK with the prenup.”

— Megan Herrington

“Because they don't want to kind of pre-plan their divorce — and I get that — but the reality is going to end one of two ways ... and they both start with the letter 'D.'”

— Garrison 'Bud' Klueck, Family Law Attorney

“If you two can communicate, then that whole, entire conversation isn't going to be uncomfortable. You're going to feel like you guys are one together and that you guys can easily talk about this stuff. And I don't think that either person is going to get upset about that.”

— Alicia Gonzales

What’s next

Couples should have open and honest discussions about prenuptial agreements well before wedding planning to ensure they are on the same page financially and emotionally.

The takeaway

Prenuptial agreements can be a sensitive topic, but experts advise that discussing them early in a relationship can actually strengthen communication and help protect both partners financially, even if divorce is never a consideration.