FAQ: All About Prenuptial Agreements

Gabrielle Union wants D-Wade to sign one.

Before Saying, "I Do" - Valentine’s Day is here, but before you think about taking your relationship to the next level you may want to read this. Gabrielle Union said she wants Dwyane Wade to sign a prenup, and when you have your own personal assets, a prenuptial agreement shouldn’t be an issue. Keep reading to learn all about prenups. —Dominique Zonyéé (@DominiqueZonyee)(Photo: Kevin Mazur/BET/Getty Images for BET)

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Before Saying, "I Do" - Valentine’s Day is here, but before you think about taking your relationship to the next level you may want to read this. Gabrielle Union said she wants Dwyane Wade to sign a prenup, and when you have your own personal assets, a prenuptial agreement shouldn’t be an issue. Keep reading to learn all about prenups. —Dominique Zonyéé (@DominiqueZonyee)(Photo: Kevin Mazur/BET/Getty Images for BET)

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What Is a Prenuptial Agreement? - A prenup is a signed pre-marital agreement that outlines how a couple will handle their joint and separate finances as a result of their union.(Photo: Christopher Futcher/Getty Images)

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What Is a Postnuptial Agreement? - Postnups occur after the wedding has already taken place.  If your finances change drastically after saying, “I do,” or you established a new business, you may want to protect your assets by agreeing with your spouse to sign a postnup. However, keep in mind a number of states do not accept postnups and they are frequently challenged in court. (Photo: Andersen Ross/Getty Images)

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Why Do Couples Sign Them? - "When you have your own stuff, you don't need to worry about anyone else's stuff. So everyone should go into the relationship knowing, 'I'm here for you and you're here for me,'” Gabrielle Union said. When partners have significant amounts of assets, children from other relationships or are expecting an influx in finances, prenups are ideal. (Photo: Comstock Images/Getty Images)

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Pros of a Prenup? - On the upside, prenuptial agreements can avoid costs in the future, act as property protection and cancel out pre-marital debt in the event of a separation or divorce. Prenups outline the belongings and finances of each partner and could include provisions to protect personal items.(Photo: RK Studio/Getty Images)

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Cons of a Prenup? - The disadvantages of a prenup can vary from invoked issues with trust, where one partner feels slighted, but in some occasions prenups are unnecessary. Some states cover the matters addressed in the prenup, and in many cases issues regarding child support must be taken to family court.(Photo: Troels Graugaard/Getty Images)

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Do I Need One? - Let’s just face it: claiming what is yours and mine in a union is no honeymoon. People might not want to consider that their marriage may end one day. However, the Harris Poll found that 15 percent of divorced Americans regretted not having a prenup.(Photo: kali9/Getty Images)

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How Much Do They Cost? - Hiring an attorney to draft up a prenup can be costly, but if you have assets and are considering one, then paying a lawyer per hour may be worth it. If your finances are in order, the cost can vary from $1,200 and $2,400 total. (Photo: Ferran Traite Soler/Getty Images)

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Victoria and Ysabel Jordan - Basketball legend Michael Jordan, 50, and his wife Yvette, 35, add the first set of twins to our list! The couple welcomed twin girls, Victoria and Ysabel, on February 9 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Seven months after they got married, they announced that they were expecting.(Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images for MJCI)

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More People Are Signing Them - After divorcing his first wife, Juanita Jordan, in one of the most expensive divorce settlements ever for about $168 million, Michael Jordan opted to protect his $650 million fortune the second time around. He and second wife, Yvette Prieto, signed a prenup before tying the knot in 2013.(Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images for MJCI)

Interracial Dating May Not Be for You - What works for some may not work for others. If you find that dating a non-Black person isn’t for you and that you prefer to be with someone Black, then that’s OK, too. It’s good to try out new things and find out what you want for sure. (Photo: Skip ODonnell/GettyImages)

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Think Before You Ink - Before you sign a postnup or prenup, you'll want to sit down with your partner early in the relationship to establish that the agreement is mutual. Consider hiring separate attorneys and make sure it is really worth your time and money to sign the contract.(Photo: Skip ODonnell/GettyImages)