Texas leads the nation in prenups

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 Texas 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.

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.