Massachusetts Couples: Why a Prenup Should Be Part of Your Wedding Planning

Published on: 23 Mar 2025

Planning a wedding in Massachusetts often means choosing the perfect venue in Boston, finding the right dress in Cambridge, and maybe even organizing a coastal ceremony on Cape Cod. But amid all the excitement, there’s one essential conversation many couples overlook: how to protect their financial future.

A prenuptial agreement, or prenup, may not be as fun to talk about as floral arrangements or honeymoon destinations—but it’s one of the most important steps a couple can take before getting married. And for couples tying the knot in Massachusetts, understanding how prenups work under state law can help ensure both partners are entering marriage with clarity, transparency, and security.

This guide will walk you through why a prenup is a smart move for Massachusetts couples, what it covers, how the law treats them, and how to get started—without expensive attorneys or stressful negotiations.

1. What Is a Prenuptial Agreement?

A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract entered into before marriage that outlines how a couple’s finances—assets, debts, income, and even potential spousal support—will be handled during the marriage and in the event of divorce.

In Massachusetts, a prenup gives couples the ability to:

• Define which property remains separate
• Decide how to handle debts brought into the marriage
• Determine how assets will be divided in a divorce
• Address spousal support (alimony) obligations
• Protect business interests, inheritances, or real estate
• Provide financial clarity and reduce uncertainty

Without a prenup, your financial future could be decided by default state laws—not your personal values or goals.

2. Why Massachusetts Couples Should Consider a Prenup

Prenups aren’t just for celebrities or millionaires. They’re practical tools that benefit couples from Boston to Worcester, Springfield to Somerville, and everywhere in between.

2.1. Massachusetts Is an Equitable Distribution State

In Massachusetts, courts divide marital property according to equitable distribution, meaning assets are divided fairly—but not necessarily equally—in a divorce.

A prenup gives couples the power to define what’s fair, instead of relying on a judge’s interpretation. This can prevent emotionally charged legal battles and help both spouses walk away with the outcomes they agreed to in advance.

2.2. Protecting Pre-Marital Assets

If you own a home in Brookline, inherited a family cottage in the Berkshires, or have savings you’ve worked hard to build, a prenup ensures those assets stay yours—especially if they were acquired before the marriage.

Without a prenup, these assets could be subject to division if they become commingled with marital property.

2.3. Addressing Student Debt and Financial Imbalances

Massachusetts has one of the highest average student loan debt rates in the country. If one spouse brings significant debt into the marriage, a prenup can clarify that they alone are responsible for repaying it.

Similarly, if one partner earns significantly more or plans to pause their career to raise children, a prenup can help establish fair expectations and protections.

2.4. Supporting Second Marriages and Blended Families

Many Massachusetts residents enter marriage with children from prior relationships. A prenup can:

• Protect inheritances meant for those children
• Outline what each spouse brings into the marriage
• Prevent confusion or disputes during estate planning or divorce

3. What Can a Prenup Cover in Massachusetts?

Under Massachusetts law, prenups can address a broad range of financial matters, including:

• Division of assets and debts
• Ownership of pre-marital property
• Responsibilities for joint expenses
• Alimony and spousal support
• Business ownership or partnership interests
• Inheritance rights

However, prenups cannot decide child custody or child support—that’s always determined based on the best interest of the child at the time of divorce.

4. Legal Requirements for a Valid Prenup in Massachusetts

For a prenup to be enforceable in Massachusetts, it must meet specific legal standards:

4.1. It Must Be Voluntary

Both parties must sign the prenup freely and willingly. If one person feels pressured, coerced, or signs without enough time to consider, a judge may invalidate the agreement.

4.2. It Requires Full Financial Disclosure

Each partner must disclose their income, assets, debts, and financial obligations. Hiding assets or providing incomplete information can render the agreement unenforceable.

4.3. The Terms Must Be Fair and Reasonable

At the time of signing—and at the time of enforcement—the prenup must be deemed fair. If a judge believes the agreement is one-sided or would leave one spouse in hardship, parts of it may be struck down.

4.4. It Must Be in Writing and Signed Before the Wedding

Verbal agreements won’t hold up in court. Your prenup must be in writing and signed before your wedding day.

5. Common Misconceptions About Prenups

“Talking About a Prenup Means We Don’t Trust Each Other”

Actually, it’s the opposite. A prenup encourages open, honest conversations about money—a topic that causes tension in many marriages. Having those conversations early builds trust and transparency.

“Prenups Are Just for the Rich”

Not true. Whether you have a modest home in Quincy or a startup in Cambridge, a prenup can help protect your interests and ensure fairness.

“We’ll Just Figure It Out If Something Happens”

Divorce can be emotional, stressful, and expensive. A prenup offers a plan you both agree on while things are good, reducing conflict if things ever go wrong.

6. How prenups.ai Makes It Easy for Massachusetts Couples

Creating a prenup in Massachusetts doesn’t have to involve expensive lawyers or complicated paperwork. With prenups.ai, you can create a legally sound, customized prenup online that complies with state laws.

Why Massachusetts Couples Choose prenups.ai:

• ✅ Guided step-by-step process
• ✅ Customizable terms to reflect your needs
• ✅ Affordable pricing—a fraction of traditional attorney fees
• ✅ Built-in compliance with Massachusetts legal requirements

Whether you’re planning a ceremony in Boston’s Seaport District or eloping in the hills of Western Mass, prenups.ai helps you take control of your financial future.

7. Final Thoughts: Start Marriage with Clarity and Confidence

A prenuptial agreement isn’t about planning for divorce—it’s about planning for a stronger, more honest marriage. By setting clear expectations, you and your partner can focus on building a future together, knowing that your financial rights and responsibilities are protected.

If you’re getting married in Massachusetts, don’t wait until the last minute. Including a prenup in your wedding planning checklist is a smart, responsible step for your future.

📌 Start building your prenup today at prenups.ai and enter marriage with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.