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- Over 1-in-10 Arizona couples (16%) have a formal prenup in place.
- 32% of unmarried people believe prenups are a ‘recipe for disaster’ within a marriage.
Warren Buffett once described marriage as the most critical financial decision in a person’s life, underscoring its numerous economic advantages. However, when marriages fail, they often result in complex and financially burdensome divorces, referred to as “divorce debt.”
Prenuptial agreements (prenups) offer a practical solution to mitigate these outcomes. TurboDebt recently surveyed 3,000 married couples to determine the adoption rate of prenups across the country. They found that, on average, over 1-in-10 married Arizona couples (16%) have a formal prenup in place (above the national average of 13%).
“Our survey highlights the growing recognition of prenups as a valuable tool for financial planning and conflict avoidance in marriages,” says Josh Stomel, Co-founder of TurboDebt.
“While some still view prenups with skepticism, many couples see them as a practical step to safeguard their future and ensure clear financial responsibilities,” he adds. “It’s important for couples to have open and honest discussions about financial matters, and a prenup can be a part of that conversation,” Stomel acknowledges.
Geographical Variations
The survey revealed some interesting geographical variations. Couples in Massachusetts are the most prenup-prone, with 19% of their marriages featuring these legal lifelines. On the flip side, couples in Missouri are the least likely to sign on the dotted line, with only 5% having prenups.
Interactive map showing prenup numbers across the country (click on ’embed’ to host on your site)
Why Arrange a Prenup?
When asked why they opted for a prenup, 45% of respondents said it was to avoid potential divorce drama. Another 35% wanted to protect their personal savings, while 19% just wanted to lay out clear financial ground rules.
Prenup Discussions and Regrets
Initial discussions about a prenup before their wedding caused conflict for 35% of couples surveyed. Additionally, 42% of married couples without a prenup regretted not getting one.
Perceptions of Prenups
TurboDebt also explored the perceptions of single individuals and unmarried couples regarding prenups. Among single people, 32% believed that having a prenup is a ‘recipe for disaster; within a marriage.
When asked how they would react if their future spouse introduced a prenup right before the wedding, 47% of unmarried couples said they would accept it but start negotiating immediately. Meanwhile, 29% said they would sign it blindly, believing that love conquers all, and 23% indicated they would call off the wedding.
