Millennials and Gen Z, who represent significant portions of the student-loan borrower demographic, are increasingly turning to prenuptial agreements as a financial safeguard in the context of marriage. With student debt reaching a staggering $1.8 trillion, understanding how financial obligations can intersect with marital assets is crucial. Elizabeth Carter, a matrimonial law professor at Louisiana State University, notes that if a student loan is paid off during marriage without a prenup, there may be financial repercussions post-divorce, highlighting the importance of clear financial agreements before tying the knot.
The modern perception of prenups has evolved, shedding its old image as a tool solely for wealthy individuals wary of gold diggers. Instead, contemporary prenups are being marketed to young professionals, especially women, as a means to take control of their financial futures. In an op-ed for Fortune, Leffler advocates for brides-to-be to approach a prenup with the same diligence as one would a business venture, arguing that there should be clarity regarding financial arrangements before saying “I do.” Social media influencers, like Vivian Tu, have also jumped on the trend, using platforms like TikTok to educate their followers about the benefits of prenups.
In this changing financial landscape, prenups are adapting to reflect current realities concerning assets and income sources. Innovations in prenup contracts now include provisions for digital assets, such as cryptocurrency, and even the complexities of intellectual property. Couples are becoming increasingly proactive, with discussions around ownership of ideas and financial contributions becoming routine.
Julia Rodgers, the Boston-based CEO of HelloPrenup, is at the forefront of this trend. She has created a platform that simplifies the prenup process, making it accessible to modern couples who may otherwise pursue legal assistance. During a recent conversation, she and attorney Lisa Zeiderman discussed the implications of artificial intelligence on marriage agreements, underscoring how evolving technology may challenge traditional marital norms and how legal frameworks must adapt.
Rodgers gained visibility after her pitch on “Shark Tank” for HelloPrenup, where she emphasized the importance of protecting wealth during the age of the Great Wealth Transfer, as baby boomers begin passing down trillions. Investors were drawn to the concept, and the company has since reported significant engagement, with around one in five couples seeking prenups going through their platform.
As societal attitudes towards marriage and finance continue to shift, the reimagined prenuptial agreement emerges as a practical tool for today’s couples, blending traditional responsibilities with innovative solutions for a more secure financial future.