Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1538826
"The process of creating a prenuptial agreement requires deep financial transparency between partners," Calabrese says. "For couples with substantial assets, this conversation is invaluable. You're not just protecting wealth — you're building financial alignment that prevents conflicts down the road." PAPERCITY PROMOTION Why Prenups and Postnups Matter for High-Net-Worth Couples We work closely with your financial advisors, accountants, and estate planning attorneys to create agreements that integrate seamlessly with your overall wealth management strategy. When Love Meets Law the W hether or not couples a r e a w a r e o f i t , marriage is not just about an interpersonal r e l a t i o n s h i p . T h e marriage contract is one of the most important financial decisions someone can make in their lives. Today's successful couples understand that building a strong marriage requires both emotional connection and financial planning. While love remains the foundation, strategic planning through prenuptial and postnuptial agreements creates the security that allows relationships to thrive. For high-net-worth individuals, these agreements aren't just about divorce protection — they're essential tools for preserving family wealth, protecting business interests, and ensuring that complex financial structures remain intact regardless of what the future holds. Family law attorneys and partners Carla Calabrese and Lee Budner of Calabrese Budner offer these insights regarding the benefits of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. The Strategic Value of Prenuptial Agreements Prenuptial agreements are comprehensive contracts that define how financial matters will be handled during marriage and in the event of divorce. Far from being relationship killers, these agreements actually strengthen partnerships by establishing clear expectations from the start. Budner adds, "Financial disagreements are one of the biggest sources of stress for married couples. By establishing financial awareness at the start of the marriage, both partners know where they stand and what to expect going forward, and that can eliminate a tremendous amount of potential conflict." The clarity provided by prenuptial agreements is particularly crucial for high- net-worth couples who may have: • Multigenerational family wealth to preserve. • Closely held businesses requiring continuity protection. • Complex investment portfolios. • Children from previous relationships. • Professional practices or intellectual property that require specialized handling. When Postnuptial Agreements Make Sense Postnuptial agreements serve similar functions to premarital agreements but are created after marriage. These agreements are increasingly common among wealthy couples who experience significant changes in their financial circumstances, such as: • Business acquisitions or major liquidity events. • Inheritance of family assets or businesses. • Career transitions that dramatically alter earning potential. • The need to rebuild trust after relationship challenges, including infidelity. "We often see couples use postnuptial — Carla Calabrese 124