Why Millennials and Gen Z Are More Likely to Get a Prenup

Published on: 3 Apr 2025

Once seen as something only the ultra-wealthy or pessimistic would consider, prenuptial agreements (prenups) are undergoing a major image shift. More than ever, Millennials and Gen Z couples are embracing prenups as a smart, practical step in building a modern marriage.

So why are younger generations more likely to get a prenup than their parents or grandparents? It’s not because they’re less romantic—it’s because they’re more financially aware, more open about money, and more committed to long-term planning.

In this article, we’ll explore the top reasons Millennials (born 1981–1996) and Gen Z (born 1997–2012) are driving the rise in prenups—and what that means for the future of marriage.

1. They’re Getting Married Later—And With More Assets

Millennials and Gen Z are waiting longer to get married compared to previous generations. The average age of marriage in the U.S. is now around 30 for men and 28 for women, a big jump from decades past.

By the time they tie the knot, many already have:

• Established careers
• Real estate or retirement savings
• Investment portfolios or cryptocurrency
• Side hustles or small businesses

Naturally, they want to protect what they’ve built—and a prenup helps define what stays separate and what becomes shared.

2. They’ve Lived Through Economic Uncertainty

Millennials came of age during the 2008 financial crisis, and many Gen Zers witnessed their parents’ struggles during that time. Add in rising student debt, housing costs, and economic volatility, and it's no wonder these generations are cautious with money.

Instead of seeing a prenup as a sign of mistrust, they view it as financial planning. It’s a way to reduce risk and maintain control over their future—especially in a world where uncertainty is the norm.

3. Student Debt Is a Major Concern

Younger generations are drowning in student loan debt. In many relationships, one partner brings a significant amount of debt into the marriage—while the other does not.

A prenup allows couples to:

• Clarify that student debt remains the responsibility of the person who incurred it
• Prevent joint assets or income from being used to pay off individual debt
• Avoid future legal battles over financial obligations if the marriage ends

For many couples, this clarity is a huge relief.

4. More Women Are Earning and Building Wealth

Millennials and Gen Z are seeing a shift in gender roles. Women are earning more than ever, starting businesses, and making financial decisions independently. In many relationships, women are the higher earners.

As a result, women are increasingly driving the conversation about prenups—seeking to protect their income, investments, and future earnings just like their male counterparts.

A prenup ensures financial fairness regardless of who earns more and helps avoid assumptions based on outdated gender norms.

5. They Value Transparency and Communication

Unlike previous generations that may have avoided financial discussions, Millennials and Gen Z prioritize open conversations about money. They want to be on the same page with their partner—not just emotionally, but financially.

Talking about a prenup encourages:

• Full financial disclosure
• Honest conversations about goals, assets, and debt
• Mutual understanding of expectations in the relationship

Far from being a red flag, these conversations are often a sign of a strong, mature relationship.

6. They’ve Seen Divorce Up Close

Many Millennials and Gen Zers are children of divorce. They've watched messy breakups, courtroom battles, and long custody disputes play out in their own families.

These personal experiences make them more realistic about the challenges of marriage. A prenup provides a clear framework for asset division and support, helping prevent the emotional and financial chaos they saw growing up.

7. They’re Building Non-Traditional Wealth

Today’s young adults are building wealth in ways that didn’t exist a generation ago:

• Crypto and digital assets
• Side hustles, e-commerce shops, and creator income
• Remote businesses and freelance gigs
• Intellectual property and brand sponsorships

Traditional divorce laws often don’t keep up with these income sources. A prenup lets couples define what counts as marital vs. separate property—especially for digital or unconventional assets.

8. They Don’t See Prenups as Unromantic

One of the biggest shifts among Millennials and Gen Z is how they view prenups emotionally. While older generations may have considered them cold or unromantic, younger couples often see them as:

• A form of mutual respect
• A tool for partnership and planning
• A way to reduce stress, anxiety, and “what-ifs”

Just like a budget or a joint savings plan, a prenup is part of building a future together with clarity and intention.

How prenups.ai Makes It Easy for Modern Couples

At prenups.ai, we make it simple for couples to create a legally sound, customizable, and affordable prenuptial agreement—without needing expensive lawyers or confusing paperwork.

Why Millennials and Gen Z love prenups.ai:

• ✅ Easy, guided process
• ✅ Clear language without legal jargon
• ✅ Support for modern assets like crypto, side hustles, and IP
• ✅ State-specific legal compliance

Whether you're in a long-term relationship, newly engaged, or just exploring your options, prenups.ai gives you a safe, accessible way to plan for your financial future.

Final Thoughts

Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping the way we think about marriage, money, and long-term commitment. For them, a prenup isn’t a backup plan—it’s part of being informed, empowered, and prepared.

If you're in a relationship and thinking about your future, it’s worth having the conversation. Because when love and logic go hand in hand, everybody wins.

📌 Start building your financial future together today—create your prenup with prenups.ai.