Pre-nups Aren’t Cold — They’re an Act of Love

When most people hear “pre-nup,” they think of mistrust, money grabs, or worst-case scenarios. I used to feel the same way.

But after years of advising families, from everyday Canadians to some of the country’s wealthiest, I’ve come to see pre-nups differently.

A pre-nup isn’t about expecting a relationship to fail. It’s about making thoughtful, values-based decisions that protect your family, your future, and the people you care most about.

Besides, entering into a marriage or common-law relationship (pre-nup or not) means stepping into a legal framework that governs your rights and responsibilities. There are default rules that determine how assets will be divided, whether spousal support is owed, and how other financial matters are handled if the relationship ends.

A pre-nup simply allows couples to opt out of those defaults and set terms that reflect their own values and intentions.

In this piece, I explore how the very act of discussing your rights and obligations to one another, even in the event of a relationship breakdown, can actually be an act of love, not mistrust.

Click through to the article to learn how:

1. Whether you sign a pre-nup or not, you already have one. The only question is whether it’s written by the government, or written by the two of you to reflect your values.
2. Pre-nups aren’t just for the wealthy. Even couples with modest means can benefit, and sometimes the partner with fewer assets has the most to gain from signing a pre-nup.
3. A pre-nup can protect blended families. Without one, government rules may override your intentions, leaving children from previous relationships unprotected.
4. Talking about money strengthens relationships. A pre-nup can be the healthy “forcing mechanism” couples need to have conversations they might otherwise avoid; conversations that build trust.
5. Clarity reduces conflict. If the relationship does end, having an agreement in place helps avoid expensive, adversarial legal battles and minimizes emotional fallout.

What many wealthy families miss about pre-nups

How thoughtful couples are reframing marriage contracts as a foundation for trust.

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