It’s quite common nowadays to have a prenuptial agreement, more commonly known as a prenup. Think of all the work that you put into getting to where you are, to be able to have what you do; then in one fell swoop, should your marriage fail, someone else, enjoys the benefits. If you have worked hard to accumulate assets and don’t want to lose everything if your marriage falls apart (heaven forbid!), it makes sense to protect your property.

The romantic or idealist would cry out in protest, “what ever happened to what I have is yours? What about trust? Isn’t it supposed to be shared?”. Those are wonderful ideals but we live in a fear ridden society. We have learned to take care of ourselves, just in case you we do become a statistic, even when we do find our match.

Don’t spring the prenup on your bride or groom just a week before the wedding. If you are truly a friend, as well as their partner, you owe it to them to let them know as early as possible. Give them the chance to adjust to the knowledge as early as possible, and decide for themselves if they are willing to accept you on those terms. They might have terms to give you in exchange. Just an idea, if you tell them while you’re still dating, you might just drive the gold diggers away.

It would also be easier on both of you if the terms of the prenup were at least considerate of your partner as well. There was an episode in CSI: Miami where this billionaire had his wife sign a prenup that gave her more money for every year they stayed together. Isn’t that sweet?

Keep in mind that a prenup is a double edged sword. It can protect you but drive your loved one away. Is it worth it? Only you can decide.