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Let’s Get Married! But First … Let Me Sign a Prenup

Let’s Get Married! But First … Let Me Sign a Prenup

As a 23-year-old avid Tinder-er, a prenuptial agreement is the farthest thing from my mind. Yes, it’s obviously because of my age and the fact that I’ve really only been in the career “game” for a little over a year, but also because I haven’t always agreed with it. On the one hand, I’m obviously not a celebrity raking in the dough and feel no need to protect myself. On the other hand, I’d like to believe that when I say, “I do,” there will be no need to think down the line about what to split down the middle with my former loved one. However, after doing some research for this article, I’m beginning to understand the importance of it.

When someone says “prenup,” we automatically think of the rich and the famous. This past year Gabrielle Union, our favorite cheerleader from the Clovers, told Arsenio Hall that she was making her basketball fiancé Dwayne Wade sign a prenup. Hats off to the woman! But prenups aren’t only for celebrities anymore, and perhaps more people should realize that — including myself.

Yes, I’m still in my early 20s and barhopping my way through OkCupid dates, but I’m also working toward furthering my leadership development in the workplace. Hell, one day it might even be possible that my paycheck will be more than my future husband’s, because, you know, girls rule. It’s probably important to at least learn from other peoples’ (especially women’s) mistakes on the matter.

One of the best examples is Karen McCullah. Most people probably wouldn’t recognize her by name or face, but she’s known for some pretty spectacular and memorable movies; as a screenwriter, Karen’s films include “Legally Blonde,” “10 Things I Hate About You,” and “The House Bunny.” When she was first married at 24, she was a nobody writing screenplays in her spiral notebooks. Flash forward 18 years when Karen is a successful – yet divorced – screenwriter. Due to a lack of a prenup, Kelly’s husband was entitled to not just half of her earnings, but also a monthly alimony check of $6,000. Hell. No.

In 2014, divorce is a subject of its own on the Huffington Post. The fact of the matter is, it happens, as much as I hate (and have always hated) to admit it. The best we can do is prepare for it, and get to know our partners in the meantime. Talking about finances and property with your partner isn’t impending doom. In fact, it might end up bringing the two of you closer together.

If you’ve read this much of this article, bear with me for the legality of a prenuptial agreement in the state of Colorado.

A Colorado prenup addresses: division of property and debt; rights and obligations under insurance policies, wills, employee benefit plans; and spousal alimony and maintenance.

The requirements for a prenup in our Centennial State are as follows: the agreement must be written; no quid pro quo is required; each party must fully disclose all property and financial obligations; both parties must willingly enter the prenuptial agreement; and alimony must not be unconscionable at the time of agreement.

So before you say those vows and take your wedding selfies, think it over and have the prenup discussion. Wouldn’t you rather be signing a mutual agreement now instead of a check for a couple grand later? We all know the answer.

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