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Luv Coach Q&A: Prenup Blues!

Posted Jun 19th 2008 2:09PM by Rebecca Brody
Filed under: Lifestyle, Love, Weddings


My fiancé and I have been together for four years and we are planning to wed in August. Last night he brought home a prenuptial agreement and asked me to sign it. This is the first I've heard of it, and I'm a little taken aback. I feel like it is an insurance policy to make sure that if it doesn't work out, he's safe. I'm completely committed to this marriage and I feel like with this prenuptial agreement he is not really committed to making this last forever. Should I sign it?

It is understandable that you would have these feelings towards signing a prenuptial agreement, especially since your fiancé never discussed it with you in the past. Marriage contracts and prenuptial agreements can take the romance out of your dream wedding if you don't approach them properly. Take the time to speak to your fiancé and let him know your thoughts, worries, and feelings about entering into a marriage with a contract that allows for a back door to be created. Make sure that you are both committed to marriage, and are entering into this union with the same intention of being partners for life. Don't let the business side of marriage dampen your love, but rather use it as a means to increase intimacy. If he still wants you to sign a prenuptial, you should be thoroughly aware of what it is, and what it says. "A prenuptial agreement is a contract entered into by two people prior to marriage or civil union. The content of a prenuptial agreement can vary widely, but commonly includes provisions for the division of property should the couple divorce and any rights to spousal support during or after the dissolution of marriage." A prenuptial agreement is meant to safeguard ones assets in the event that things do not work out, but it is also to make sure that you are well cared for after the fact. Have a lawyer look over the contract and make sure that you agree to all the terms. If there is anything that doesn't work for you, then let your partner know, and adjust the contract accordingly.


I only knew my Husband for 7 months and we decided to get married. (Keep in mind within those 7 months we only went out 3 times) Well anyhow, we started dating. The first two weeks we dated, the next two weeks we got engaged, the next two weeks we go and get married through the court house. We have had our ups and downs for two months. Last Saturday my husband and my cousin had to run to Mexico for a doctor's appointment for my cousin. Well long story short, My Husband gets wasted up there, gets thrown in jail, ponds his wedding ring "supposedly" to pay his beer tab off, lost his cell phone, shirt he was wearing, shoe laces, and social security card. I decided that enough is enough so I am divorcing him. He has held me hostage inside the house many of times, he is very, very jealous. I wasn't allowed to go anywhere with my friends, and he lies all the time. I suspect he did cheat on me in Mexico because I do know for sure they were at a Strip Bar. Please help me and let me know what you think about me going through with the divorce.

It sounds like you have made a string of poor decisions based on very little information and a total lack of conscious behavior. Marriage is a serious commitment and should never be rushed into without knowing who you are and who your partner is, what you both want, and where you are both going in life. It takes time to get to know someone and to decide if that person is not only right for you, but the person you believe is worthy of being your husband. Holding you hostage in your own home, controlling who you see and where you go, and lying are all signs of an abusive relationship. You have come to the right decision in choosing to divorce him, and I know you will find the strength within you to go through with it. Now is the time to call on friends and family for love and support as you work through this experience. I want to recommend that you hire a relationship coach or therapist to help you understand how you got into this situation in the first place and how to move forward so that you can make positive life choices in the future.

Next Luv Coach Q&A: Cold Feet or Cold Heart?


Life Coach Rebecca BrodyRebecca Brody is currently a Life Empowerment coach in New York City. Her area of expertise is in relationship coaching. She is a graduate of Vassar and Ipec, and has trained with the Relationship Coaching Institute. She is ICF certified, and has been studying social interaction, relationships and coupling for over a decade. To work with Coach Brody contact Brody@theluvcoach.com, or go to www.theluvcoach.com



The Hollywood Express Marriage

    10.) Halle Berry and Eric Benet

    On the surface, this relationship of two beautiful people seemed too perfect... and it was. The couple, who were married in 2001, separated in 2003, due to... irreconcilable differences. Under the surface though, the rumors abounded that Benet was a rabid sex addict and the cat quickly got out the bag. Today, Halle's got her baby and her new beau and as for Eric... well he's still walking around barefoot.

    9.) Treach and Pepa (Salt-N-Pepa)

    Although the two have them had been linked for years, they never made it official until 1999. Of course just two years later, the pair broke it off, but managed to produce a daughter, Egypt, in their time together. Treach would go on to do some acting as well as a few "adult" films, while Pepa would go on to reunite with Salt and Spinderella, only to be constantly yelled at by Salt on their very own reality show. All's well that ends well.

    8.) Jennifer Lopez and Chris Judd

    Unfairly sandwiched between P. Diddy and Ben Affleck, former back-up dancer, Chris Judd had the distinct honor of being one of J.Lo's many love interests for all of a millisecond. Predictably, the marriage lasted less than a year,effectively ending in June 2002, around the same time J.Lo was seen hugging up with half of the soon-to-be ill-fated "Benifer," Ben Affleck.

    7.) Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmunds

    This marriage was a wrap before it even had legs. The couple, who were faux-married on the New Year's day in Bora Bora, ended up splitting on the 16th of January. Lucky for them, it wasn't official or that divorce would have been something else. On the bright side, Eddie can now put a little more time in paying Mel B. some of that child support with all his stacks from quality films like 'The Adventures of Pluto Nash.'

    6.) Dennis Rodman and Carmen Electra

    In all honestly, Dennis Rodman getting married to anyone would have been a shocker but for these two to have found each other oddly enough seemed like a perfect match, given their marriage history (Prince and Madonna). These two are VH1 reality shows just waiting to happen.

    5.) Janet Jackson and James DeBarge

    In one of the most brief and forgettable marriages ever, Janet Jackson covertly eloped with one of the many Debarge's in 1984 only to break it off a year later in 1985 due to his constant drug use. And to think, the world could have been blessed with a possible clan of singing/dancing Jackson-Debarge babies managed by the jovial Joe Jackson. Oh well...

    4.) R. Kelly and Aaliyah

    Before he was trapped in the closet and years before he beat those child molestation charges like they owed him money, R. Kelly was briefly married to a 15-year-old Aaliyah in 1994. It was later reported that Aaliyah lied about being 18 and the marriage was annulled shortly thereafter. Coincidentally, Kelly is also known as the pied piper... SUSPECT!!!

    3.) Gary Coleman and Shannon Price

    Former Diff'rent Strokes star Gary Coleman had long been remembered for either his catchphrase on the show or through the many antics/unfortunate circumstances which have affected him following the show. So when word came out in August 2007, that he wed 5-month girlfriend, Shannon Price, the reaction was not unexpected. What?!?! Who?!?!?! Well low and behold, a year later, this lovely couple soon found themselves in Divorce Court with Gary pretty much saying that he was still a virgin and that she wasn't giving up the goods. Truth is, this couple may not be separated, but those sparks better start flying or Gary's going to blow a fuse.

    2.) Mike Tyson and Robin Givens

    She played violin, went to acting school, and was once accepted into Harvard Medical School. "Iron" Mike on the other hand, grew up in the streets, became known as one of the most brutal boxers in history, and even gnawed a man's ear off. To say that this wasn't a marriage built to last is an understatement.

    1.) Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley

    Without a doubt, this had to be one of the most unexpected marriages in history. The king of pop, amidst his first child molestation ordeal, and the daughter of Elvis Presley were as mismatched as a square peg in a round hole. And if the marriage weren't enough, the two of them famously gave one of the most awkward and poorly acted kisses on stage at the 1994 MTV Music Awards, cementing yet another landmark in marvel that is Michael Jackson.

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Reader Comments

(Page 1)

1. ABSOLUTE ANSWER, MEN, IF THE WOMAN IS RICH DON'T SIGN

IF YOU ARE RICH, ABSOLUTELY MAKE HER SIGN AND ALSO
"" MOST IMPORTANT HAVE HER ATTORNEY DRAW UP THE PAPERS "" SO SHE WILL NOT HAVE A DEFENCE OF ANY KIND, BELIEVE ME I'V BEEN MARRIED THREE TIMES, I KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT .

GOOD LUCK

D. CAMPBELL at 10:02AM on Jun 27th 2008

2. There is always a good reason for having a pre-nuptial, especially if one makes and have more money than the other spouse. There are too many cheaters and users in this country, so protect yourself. And men, your pre-nuptial may become voided if your wife has a child; you may have to draw up a post-nuptial after a child is born. From what I understand, this only affects men, a pre-nuptial were women makes more does not become voided after a child is born-Brittany Spears and Kevin is a great example. Men check with an attorney before you step into the trap of a greedy women.

John at 3:04PM on Jun 27th 2008

3. Theres is no need for a pre nuptial..either you in it for better or worse or not. COME ON PEOPLE!!

Jenn at 3:50PM on Jun 27th 2008

4. Who went an changed the rules on marriage!!! Did not God ordian marriage, was this prenuptial included if so, I sure would like to know. Where is the trust ...have people become so evil that they are not to be trusted on no accounts. I'm so sure these same folks sit in church from Sunday to Sunday worshiping and studying God's word and expects a prenuptial signed before marriage. If theres a request for a prenuptial ...then whats the need in getting married...just shack...unless you are a christian...and if you are a christian then where can you find in the word to have a prenuptial signed before marriage? How can anyone go into a marriage worrying about a gold digger..what about LOVE...LOVE I SAY!!! If a marriage need a prenuptial..then so does the children. Children should have something to signed stating that they will be taken care of in the case of an absent mom or dad. I would rather see the children have this rather than a grown rusty person worried about a gold digger. You know how it goes..where theres gold.... then it needs to be dug. LETS LOVE GOD PEOPLE!!!

shannlinwo at 4:58PM on Jun 27th 2008

5. My whole take on the pre-nup thing is this, whoever presents it, man or woman, has to realize that if the marriage ends as a result of infidelity on their part... the pre-nup is null and void.

With that said.... how can you trust someone with your heart and, in some cases, your kids.... but not your money? What's wrong with that picture?

IPress at 5:21PM on Jun 27th 2008

6. I have been married for 16yrs now. I am 39 and have known my husband since I was 18. We had an on again off again relationship for 4 yrs, because we had to be sure of what we really wanted, and that just doesn't happen overnight. But when we realized that we belonged together, we made that stroll down the aisle and never looked back.
The thing these days is that people want to fall in love one week, and get married the following week. And they throw all their money into a wedding, but forget there is a marriage that follows. My wedding set me back a whopping 33 bucks (yes I said 33, cause all I paid for was my shoes).... I used my resources, family and friends with amazing talents, and they made me a happy bride.... 16 yrs later.... we are still going strong.

IPress at 5:28PM on Jun 27th 2008

7. I believe prenups are somewhat of a safeguard for those who have a mega amount of monies and/or property to lose if a failed marriagw should arise. I have friends whom have just informed me of their prenup. Seems as though one of them will lose EVERYTHING to the other should one cheat. I find this quite disturbing. Why lose everything ? Cut your loses, split what's left and move the heck on

Yvette at 6:41PM on Jun 27th 2008

8. YEP SHANNLINWO YOU ONE THOSE BROKE AND POOR LADIES
YOU BROKE AND POOR , HE RICH. SO WHAT NOW HE SHARE ALL HIS HARD WORKING MONEY TO YOU. WHEN THINGS GET STANK!!!!! YOU HOLLA I WANT HALF. SURE DREAM ON FOOL
I BEEN MARRIED 38 YRS, I HAVE FOUR SONS ONE IS MARRIED AND HAVE A PRE-NEP. GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF THE SAND NUMBER 3. NO ONE GIVING ANYTHING AWAY THESE DAYS. WHEN THE LOVE IS GONE S----T GET STANK!!!!!!
THIS IS NOT THE FAIRY TALES ROFL

ARTICULATESOUL at 9:07AM on Jun 29th 2008

9. NUMBER ONE I'M FEELING YOU AND I'M A FEMALE.
NO ONE WANT TO GIVE THEIR HARD EARN MONEY TO SOMEONE WHO DIDNT HELP EARN IT. GET PRE-NEPS MALES AND FEMALES. IF YOU OFFERED A PRE-NEP TO YOUR MATE AND
THEY REFUSED, CALL OFF THE MARRIAGE ( RED FLAG)
THERE IS NO PERFECT MARRIAGE, EVERYONE HAVE UPS AND DOWN. SOME GET VERY UGLY AND END UP IN DIVORCE.
THE BELL RING THEN ITS ON!!!!!!!!
MY HUSBAND IS A GOOD MAN, BUT EVERYONE HAS UPS AND DOWN. WE ARE VERY HAPPY 38 YRS. PLEASE DONT THINK 38 YRS CANT END ON ANYONE. AND WHEN IT DO SATAN IS OUT OF HIS BOX SHOWTIME!!!!!!! ROFL MY HUBBY SITTING HERE NEXT TO ME JUST LAUGHING

ARTICULATESOUL at 9:32AM on Jun 29th 2008

10. I am not so sure a pre-nup is a bad idea. I know that God did not build the premise of marriage on a pre-nup but I also realize times and values have changed. I feel that if you have worked hard to get what you have alone then I want to protect yourself. I know of too many individuals who gave up too much because they were not protected through a prenuptial contract. I think it is fair that you leave with what you brought into the marriage if it is dissolved and what you acquired together as a couple be split equally. That of course is just my point of view

zeetasf at 9:34AM on Jun 29th 2008

11. ARTICULATESOUL, WHY you sound so angry. At first I thought you were some kid, seeing that you've been married for some 38 yrs and have kids to boot, now I know you must be a full grown women. Try and stick to the subject and act your age. No need to try and mess with my friend SHANNLINWO, she has a right to state her opinion and she is far from being poor. I see why your husband sitting beside you laughing at you. I know it's hard to be at peace with yourself, for you sound like you mad at the world. If I was your husband I would have gotten a prenupt signed before I married you for sure. Your husband is a wise man. Do you get high or something. Shannlino is a peaceful God fearing lady and she really don't need the flack. PLEASE STICK TO THE SUBJECT WHEN COMMENTING , THERES NO NEED TO BE RUDE. I WANT TO SAY TO SHANNLINWO, TO NOT RESPOND TO THIS PERSON. ARTICULATESOUL NEEDS TO GO BACK TO ISREAL. COME ON PEOPLE!!

Jenn at 2:50PM on Jun 29th 2008

12. FIRST OF ALL ROFL!!!!! WHAT IS THE HELL IS "ISREAL"
SECOND LOL DO YOU KNOW ANGRY WHEN YOU SEE IT?
I COULD CARELESS IF SHANN WAS YOUR MOM
I DON'T DISLIKE SHANN, PRETTY NICE PERSON IN CHATROOM
I WILL SAY WHATEVER I FEEL.SO GET OVER IT ROFL
DONT GET YOUR DRAWS IN A KNOT ROFL!!!!!!!!

ARTICULATESOUL at 6:38PM on Jun 29th 2008

13. If you have inherited properties (of value) you should sign a prenuptual agreement, yet anything earned after marriage,as a result of your union, should be fair game!

Mzlady at 3:36PM on Jul 3rd 2008

14. Sign it. Its a good document to have. I asked for one during my engagement. I didn't want the things I accumulated during my single yrs being claimed if the marriage didnt work out. I wanted to make sure my things remained mine in my family incase of divorce. He didn't look at it that way, I didn't trust him, he would never do that, etc. I don't want any judge going through my belongings asking me or telling me to share with him things that he didnt contribute to during my single yrs. So we broke up, I have a problem with anyone taking my money, belongings etc that they didn't have any part of. After that argument we broke up, I was relieved. He then later recanted and wanted to sign the pre nup, stateing that he should be entitled to it because we were in a 50/50 relationship and he would get half anyway. whether we accumulated it before or during the marriage. I didn't and walked away. I felt soo blessed I found out before I made the biggest mistake in my life. It is definitely something to ponder before going forward with a marriage. Thank God I brought it up, I would have been in a hell of a mess had I not. Think, get counsel, and pray.

michele at 3:02AM on Jul 6th 2008

15. just my 2cents:
If you say a prenup violates some Biblical principle you don't know your scripture.
If you pay attention, in the old testament law, there are several mentions of a formal legal process for engagement as well as for marriage. According to several commentators I've read, the engagement ceremony basically was the same thing we call a prenup. Also, there are several mentions of a bride price for divorce, annulment, inheritance law, etc, I've been told this is another reference to what was basically a prenup

gordon at 11:55AM on Jul 8th 2008

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