Planning to Marry? Here’s Why a Prenup Might Be the Smartest Step You Take
If you’re planning to get married in Colorado, you’re probably thinking about wedding venues, guest lists, and honeymoons—not legal contracts. But here’s something every couple should consider before tying the knot: a prenuptial agreement.
And no, they’re not just for the wealthy.
A prenup is a legal agreement signed before marriage that outlines how assets, debts, and other financial matters will be handled if the marriage ends. Sounds unromantic? Maybe. But in reality, it’s one of the most practical, empowering conversations you and your partner can have—and it can actually strengthen your relationship.
Get started by scheduling a free initial consultation with John Husson.
Why Prenups Aren’t Just for the 1%
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be a millionaire to benefit from a prenup. If you have:
A job or future earning potential
Significant savings or investments
Qualified retirement plan assets
A small business or professional practice
Student loans or credit card debt
Children from a prior relationship
Separate property that could appreciate significantly
...then you have something to protect. A prenup helps clarify what’s “yours,” “mine,” and “ours”—and avoids relying on Colorado’s default divorce laws to sort things out.
What a Prenup Actually Covers
Prenuptial agreements can cover a wide range of topics, including:
How to divide property acquired before and during the marriage
What happens to debts (especially student loans and credit cards)
Business ownership and income
Spousal support or alimony expectations
Inheritance planning for children from prior relationships, or if divorce occurs
In Colorado, marital property is subject to equitable distribution—meaning courts divide assets fairly, not necessarily equally. Without a prenup, a judge decides what’s “fair.” With a prenup, you do.
It’s About Planning, Not Pessimism
Think of a prenup like insurance: you hope you never need it, but you’ll be glad you have it if you do.
More importantly, drafting a prenup opens the door to essential financial conversations. How do you both view money? What are your savings goals? How will you handle debt or major purchases? Couples who talk openly about these topics early on often report stronger marriages.
A prenup can also protect stay-at-home parents by allocating resources fairly in the event that one partner leaves the workforce.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
To be legally valid in Colorado, a prenup should be:
Fair and not heavily one-sided
Fully transparent (both parties must disclose all finances)
Signed well before the wedding (not the night before!)
Reviewed by independent attorneys for both parties
Don’t Let the Courts Decide for You
If you don’t create a prenup, you’re letting the state of Colorado write the rules for your marriage. And while state law provides a general framework, it may not reflect your values, goals, or specific financial circumstances.
Let’s Talk—Your First Consultation is Free
If you’re planning to get married and want to protect your future, let’s have a conversation. I’m John Husson, an estate planning attorney based in Colorado, and I offer free 30-minute consultations to help you explore whether a prenuptial agreement is right for you.
📞 Call me at 720-310-7221 or
👉 Schedule your consultation today.
