How to Build a Marriage That Lasts Without Endless Money Fights in Less Than 30 Minutes of Planning, Guaranteed.

Why This Question Matters?

Are prenup marriages more successful? It’s a question whispered at engagement parties, debated at family dinners, and often avoided until it’s too late. Some people assume prenups doom a marriage from the start, while others believe they’re the secret to long-term success (American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 2016).

At ASJ Law Office, we see this question every day in New York’s family courts and executive offices. And here’s the truth: prenups don’t kill romance, they protect it.

As Asia Scarlett-Jones explores in her book Divorce Decoded, the couples who fare better in both marriage and separation are those who start with clarity. They don’t stumble into lifelong commitments blind. They know exactly what they’re building together, and they know how to protect it.

So let’s walk through why prenups often strengthen not weaken marriages.

The Myth: Prenups Mean Distrust

The biggest myth about prenups is that they’re unromantic. “If you loved me, you wouldn’t need one,” people say. But here’s the real question: If you loved someone enough to build a life together, wouldn’t you want to protect that life from unnecessary conflict?

Think of a prenup like health insurance. No one buys insurance because they want to get sick. They buy it because they want peace of mind. A prenup works the same way: it prevents uncertainty from poisoning the marriage.

In fact, prenups can reduce one of the top causes of divorce: money fights. When financial expectations are clear, couples argue less about spending, saving, or what happens “if.”

What the Data Tells Us:

While the studies aren’t perfect, there’s growing evidence that prenup couples are less likely to divorce and when they do, it’s often less destructive.

According to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (2016), 62% of family lawyers report an increase in prenup requests, especially among millennials and high-earning professionals. Why? Because these couples want to avoid the financial battles they’ve watched older generations fight (American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 2016).

In Divorce Decoded, Asia highlights that couples who treat marriage like both a legal and emotional partnership experience fewer courtroom disputes. Prenups force couples to face tough conversations early, which strengthens the bond instead of weakening it.

So, are prenup marriages more successful? They’re not bulletproof, but they’re better equipped to survive both storms and sunshine.

Why Prenups Create Stronger Marriages.

They Force Honesty Early.

Talking about debt, salaries, savings, and spending habits isn’t romantic, but it’s real. A prenup means no hidden credit card bills or “surprise” loans years down the line.

They Remove Fear

Without a prenup, a spouse may fear losing everything: their business, their home, or their inheritance. With a prenup, they can focus on the relationship instead of the risks.

They Protect Children

For professionals with kids from previous relationships, prenups ensure inheritances are safe. That peace of mind removes a lot of resentment and anxiety from the marriage.

They Build Mutual Respect

A fair prenup isn’t one-sided. It ensures both spouses are protected. When each partner sees their needs reflected, respect grows (HelloPrenup, 2024).

Storytelling: Emma’s Journey

Meet Emma. She’s a successful marketing executive in Manhattan who got married without a prenup. At first, everything seemed fine. But five years in, money disagreements became daily fights. Her husband wanted to scale back at work; Emma wanted to invest in real estate. Their visions clashed.

When the marriage broke down, the divorce became a war zone. Legal fees soared. Every asset was scrutinized. Emma lost months of productivity at work and tens of thousands in fees.

Now imagine if Emma had started her marriage with a prenup. They would have had those tough conversations early. They would have spelled out how to handle income differences, investments, and property. Instead of fighting, they could have separated with clarity.

Emma’s story is why ASJ Law Office champions prenups for executives and high earners. It’s not about expecting failure. It’s about protecting your love, your kids, and your legacy.

FAQs: Are Prenups Enforceable in New York?

Yes, but only if done correctly. A prenup in New York must:

Be in writing.

Be signed voluntarily by both parties.

Include full financial disclosure.

Be fair and not unconscionable at the time of signing.

This is why working with an experienced attorney matters. DIY templates or rushed last-minute agreements often don’t hold up in court.

Common Mistakes That Hurt Couples

Prenups fail when they’re:

Drafted weeks before the wedding (pressure invalidates them).

Completely one-sided (courts won’t enforce “winner takes all” agreements) (Christian v Christian, 1977; NY Divorce Attorney Blog, 2025).

Hidden from one spouse (lack of disclosure = unenforceable) (Sgrlaw, n.d.; Jodi-Ann Donato Law, 2025).

In Divorce Decoded, Asia warns that these mistakes are what turn prenups into weapons instead of shields. The goal isn’t to trap your partner. It’s to protect your marriage.

Are Prenup Marriages More Successful?

Success in marriage isn’t just about love. It’s about clarity, trust, and communication. Prenups support all three.

So, yes ; couples who sign prenups are often more successful because:

They communicate openly.

They respect each other’s financial roles.

They minimize uncertainty and conflict.

Enhanced Communication from Day One

Couples who pursue prenuptial agreements must engage in detailed discussions about finances, goals, and expectations before marriage. This process naturally develops communication skills that serve them throughout their relationship. As family law attorney Asia Scarlette Jones explains in "Divorce Decoded," the couples who discuss difficult topics early often build the strongest foundations for lasting partnerships.

These conversations cover everything from debt management and spending habits to career priorities and family planning. While uncomfortable initially, they create a framework for ongoing transparent communication that many couples never establish.

Your Next Step: Build Peace of Mind Before You Say “I Do”

Here’s the bottom line: Prenups don’t predict divorce. They prevent disaster.

If you’re an executive or high earner in New York, this is your chance to secure your marriage with clarity. You insure your business, your health, and your home; why not insure your marriage?

Download Now: 'Money, Marriage & New York: A Professional Woman’s Guide to Prenups'

And if you’re ready to take the next step:

Because love is beautiful, but clarity is powerful.

Reference List:

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. 2016. Prenuptial Agreements on the Rise, Finds Survey. [press release] 28 October. Available at: PR Newswire. (Accessed 1 October 2025).

Christian v Christian, 42 N.Y.2d 63 (1977). Court of Appeals of New York.

HelloPrenup, 2024. Does Getting a Prenup Increase Your Risk for Divorce? Insights from a Psychologist. 21 June. Available at: http://helloprenup.com . (Accessed 1 October 2025).

Jodi-Ann Donato Law, 2025. Prenuptial Agreements and Divorce in New York. 24 April. Available at: http://jodianndonatolaw.com . (Accessed 1 October 2025).