Debate: Should everyone get a pre-nuptial agreement?
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Myleene Klass has said she regrets not getting a pre-nup now she and her ex have divorced. As pre-nuptial agreements become increasingly common in the UK, should we all put practicalities above romance and protect ourselves with a pre-nup?
Why risk losing half of everything you've worked for?
Pre-nuptial agreements aren’t sexy, or romantic. You don’t dream of one day getting down on one knee and suggesting you both sign one, or hiding the paperwork in the dessert cart after a decadent meal. You won’t celebrate signing it with all your friends and family. It’s true that pre-nups are distinctly un-sexy – but it's also true that 42 per cent of marriages will end in divorce. Myleene Klass, a self-confessed "strident feminist", didn't get her husband to sign one before they got hitched, despite the disparity between their incomes (she has an estimated £12m fortune and he’s a celebrity bodyguard).
She said on ITV's Loose Women: "If I had one regret, it would be not getting a pre-nup." Quite right, Myleene. Despite being in a long-term relationship for 11 years, she was only married for six months before the marriage deteriorated. Pre-nups have been recognised in UK law since 2010 and most of us are still getting our heads round them, but to put it simply, if Klass had got one, she wouldn't have to face giving away £6m to Graham Quinn. She wouldn't have to give him anything. That’s a lot of dosh for the sake of a few moments of squeamishness over a bit of paper.
If you have to ask for a pre-nup you shouldn't be getting hitched
Ever been asked if you would sign a pre-nup? I have. It’s not a nice question to be asked. It’s unsettling, and more than that, it shows an essential mistrust. Your partner doesn't believe you’ll be fair or faithful. In fact, they've already fast-forwarded to imagining the breakdown of your marriage before it’s even begun.
The marriage vow isn't 'for better or for worse, except in matters pertaining to individual wealth in which case each person shall remain as poor or as rich as they were before they were married’; the whole point is you’re agreeing to mingle not only your body and soul, but your bank accounts too. A pre-nup is basically the antithesis of what a marriage is meant to be about. If you have to ask your partner to sign a pre-nup, you should ask yourself first, are you ready to say 'I do'?
Emily Jupp @emilyjupp
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments