If you're reading this, chances are you're at a significant juncture in your life. Perhaps you're considering remarrying, or you're in a long-term relationship, and thoughts about how this step will impact the assets you've accumulated for yourself and your children are swirling in your mind.
You love your partner and want to build a shared future together, but at the same time, you can't ignore the need to protect yourself and your children, come what may. You worry that bringing up the subject might be interpreted as a lack of trust or an expectation of divorce, and you don't want to hurt your partner's feelings or create unnecessary tension.
On the other hand, you've worked so hard to get to where you are. Maybe you've gone through a complex divorce and managed to retain certain assets. Or perhaps you're a homemaker or a successful woman who has achieved a great deal on her own. Whatever the situation is, you have been through enough in your life to know that planning for the future responsibly is crucial.
So how do you address the issue of prenuptial or financial agreements without damaging the romance?
Despite being important and useful tools, prenups/financial agreements have a negative stigma. Only about 10-15% of couples have them, and many are reluctant to discuss the subject for fear of hurting their partner or undermining the relationship. Especially as we get older, the fear of being left alone may be so scary that we would rather drop the subject entirely.
I'm here to tell you that there's a way to approach the topic with sensitivity, empathy, and honesty, while maintaining love and responsible planning for the future.
In our society, there's sometimes an expectation for women to prioritize love and family over their personal financial security. We're told that talking about money isn't romantic and that wanting to protect our assets indicates a lack of trust or emotional coldness. But the truth is, planning for the future is one of the most loving things we can do for ourselves and our loved ones.
A prenuptial/financial agreement isn't an expectation of pitfalls ahead - it's an expression of hope for the best while preparing for any scenario. It's about having honest, open conversations with our partners about our hopes, fears, and priorities. It's about creating a foundation of trust and understanding that we can withstand any storm together.
I know that initiating a conversation can be challenging. You might be worried about your partner's reaction or wonder if it will cast a shadow on your relationship. But in my experience, approaching it with love, respect, and a spirit of collaboration can actually bring you closer.
So, if you're grappling with these questions, I invite you to join my webinar on the topic of Second Relationships and Estate Planning. Together, we'll explore the challenges you face, share experiences, and find the right way for you to navigate this and other important Estate Planning issues.
Every woman deserves love and financial security. Sometimes, the path to achieving both involves honest conversations, even if they're not always easy. You don't have to do this alone - I'm here to listen, share, and support you.
If you're ready to take the next step, please click below to register for the webinar.
I look forward to connecting with you!