Prenups Go Mainstream: Millennials, Gen Z, and the Rise of Marriage Contracts

Here’s a breakdown of the key points from the provided text,focusing on the evolving attitudes towards prenuptial agreements:

* “Lean In” for Marriage: The article draws a parallel between Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In” ideology (empowering women to negotiate for themselves professionally) and a new trend of women proactively negotiating the terms of thier marriage through prenups. The idea is to approach marriage with the same business-like mindset as a job – understanding the “compensation package” (assets, responsibilities, etc.).
* Generational Shift (Millennials & Gen Z): A meaningful driver of this change is the experience of Millennials and Gen Z. A large percentage come from families impacted by divorce, leading to a more realistic and less idealistic view of marriage. They are less likely to believe in “happily ever after” and more prepared to plan for potential separation.
* New Clauses in Prenups: Prenups are becoming more complex, addressing modern relationship dynamics. Examples include:
* Social Media Image Clause: Financial penalties for disparaging posts about an ex. This reflects the potential for social media to damage careers and reputations.
* Embryo Clause: Deals with the disposition of frozen embryos in case of divorce, including storage fees. This is relevant as people delay having children and utilize IVF more frequently.
* Infidelity Clause: Requires careful definition in the context of evolving views on relationships, including ethical non-monogamy.
* Later Marriage & Modern Concerns: Millennials are getting married later in life, leading to new considerations like IVF and the need to address these issues within a prenup.

In essence, the article highlights a shift in how younger generations view marriage – less as a romantic ideal and more as a partnership that requires careful planning and clear agreements, similar to any other significant life decision.

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