prenup

American  

[pree-nuhp] / ˈpriˌnʌp /

noun

Informal.

1. a prenuptial agreement.

   Before you marry, get a prenup.

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prenup British  

/ ˈpriːˌnʌp /

noun

1. informal a prenuptial agreement

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Usage

What is a prenup? Prenup is short for prenuptial agreement, a legal contract entered into by a couple before marriage that specifies things like the division of their finances and assets, especially in case the marriage ends, such as through divorce.The word prenuptial means before marriage.Prenup is informal but very commonly used, especially in casual contexts.Every prenup is different based on what the couple wants it to include. Most prenups cover things like which member of the couple is entitled to certain portions of property, inheritance, and savings, or which member is responsible for certain things, such as debt.The popular opinion about prenups has traditionally been quite negative—many people view them as pessimistic and associate their use with rich celebrities who marry people who aren’t as rich. Plus, no one who’s about to get married likes to admit that there’s a possibility that the marriage might not work out. However, many people consider it good sense to enter into a prenup, and many legal advisors recommend prenups, especially since deciding how to split up assets during a divorce can be extremely strained.Example: Everyone thought it was strange that we had a prenup, but life is unpredictable.

Example Sentences

That’s one reason why it’s a good thing to have a prenup.

From MarketWatch

I’m following up on my earlier letter about my husband, who would not write a will but did write a prenup that excluded me.

From MarketWatch

The lawyer was not concerned about the prenup, but said a will can override it.

From MarketWatch

Be aware that spouses can claim an elective share of their late spouse’s estates in many states; a good prenup could help override such state law.

From MarketWatch

Stacey Champagne, a 32-year-old from Arlington, Va., said she wondered whether the celebrity couple got a prenup when she first heard about the engagement.

From The Wall Street Journal