Myth: Getting a prenup means we will divorce

Amanda D. Singer, San Diego Family Mediation Center 

Does the idea of a prenup worry you that you have set the scene for a divorce or raise trust issues? While many believe that signing a prenup predicts divorce, it is actually a great way to break money silence before you walk down the aisle. Listen in as Kathleen interviews Amanda about how to bust this myth wide open and start communicating about money before you say “I do.” 

Take aways: 

All couples have a prenup even if you don’t craft one. States determine how assets will be split should a couple divorce. By drafting a prenup with your partner you are actually taking control and deciding for yourselves how you want your assets to be divided, if and when you do break up. 
Prenups are no longer just for the ultra-wealthy. Historically, prenuptial agreements were a way of affluent families protecting themselves from gold diggers. Today more millennials with dual careers and business start-ups, and people entering their second marriages are signing these documents. 
The prenup process opens up the lines of communication. If you identify your respective money mindsets, discuss similarities and differences in your family money messages, and agree how to financially operate as a couple, you actually are less likely to divorce. Yes, you sign a legal document but the experience is much richer than you might think.

 Bio: 

Amanda Singer, Esq., MDR, CDFA is a professional family mediator and co-owner of San Diego Family Mediation Center. She is also a licensed attorney and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. She works to help families improve communication, solve problems and reach agreements while staying out of court. Amanda is on the board of Academy of Professional Family Mediators and is the co-chair of this year's conference. She earned her JD from Chapman University School of Law while completing her Master's Degree in Dispute Resolution from The Straus at Pepperdine University School of Law. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Brandies University and has completed her courses as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. San Diego Family Mediation Center works with families dealing with various family issues, including divorce mediation, premarital mediation, blended families and parenting plans. 

For more information, visit www.SanDiegoFamilyMediation.com and check out the book, Prenups for Lovers