The new power move: why smart women are demanding prenups

Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 10:13 GMT by Fortune
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Prenups Are the New Power Move for Millennials and Gen Z Women
Fortune, August 24, 2025 – A comprehensive look at how a once‑taboo legal tool is becoming a symbol of empowerment for younger couples.

Over the past decade, the conversation about marriage and financial security has shifted dramatically. The article from Fortune—“Prenups Are the New Power Move for Millennials and Gen Z Women”—highlights how prenuptial agreements have moved from the realm of wealthy elites and high‑profile divorces into mainstream discussions among younger generations. By weaving together legal insight, cultural commentary, and hard data, the piece offers a nuanced view of why more women are turning to prenups—and what that means for the future of relationships and financial planning.

1. The Surge of Prenuptial Agreements Among Younger Women

The core of the article centers on an explosive rise in prenup interest among millennials and Gen Z couples. A 2024 survey by The Institute for Family Studies found that 40% of Gen Z women (ages 18‑25) had either signed a prenup or were seriously considering one, up from just 22% in 2015. Millennials (ages 26‑40) are not far behind, with 35% reporting that they had signed a prenup before marriage.

Fortune attributes this surge to several intersecting trends:

Financial Independence: Young women are earning more, saving aggressively, and owning property or businesses at earlier ages. A prenup can safeguard these assets if the marriage ends in divorce.
Changing Attitudes Toward Divorce: Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau show that divorce rates have plateaued in the last five years, but when divorces do occur, they can be more contentious around property division. Prenups shift the narrative from “battle” to “pre‑emptive agreement.”
Social Media Amplification: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram host “Prenup Power” challenges, where couples share short videos explaining how a prenup helped them. These clips create a sense of community and normalcy around the topic.

The article quotes Dr. Evelyn Wu, a sociologist at the University of California, Berkeley, who says, “Prenups have become a form of self‑advocacy for women who no longer wish to leave their financial future up to chance.”

2. Prenup Power: The Movement That’s Making Prenups Accessible

A key part of the story is the rise of Prenup Power, a company that offers a mobile‑first platform to design and sign customized prenup agreements. The Fortune article notes that Prenup Power’s CEO, Lauren Miller, started the company after witnessing her own sister’s stressful divorce.

The platform’s “Power‑Move” toolkit simplifies the legal process:

Templates: Users choose from a library of clauses (e.g., division of real estate, spousal support, business ownership).
Legal Review: After drafting, a qualified attorney reviews the agreement for compliance with state law.
E‑Signature: Both parties sign electronically, and the document is notarized online.

Miller’s vision, according to Fortune, is “to demystify prenups and make them as routine as insurance or a will.” The article cites that Prenup Power has already processed over 20,000 agreements in 2025, with a 95% satisfaction rate among users.

For those who want to dig deeper, the article includes a link to Prenup Power’s official website, offering a free sample agreement and a list of FAQs.

3. Legal Nuances and State‑by‑State Variations

While the narrative around prenups is gaining traction, the legal reality remains complex. Fortune provides a concise overview of the main legal considerations:

Enforceability: In the U.S., a prenup is generally enforceable if it is entered into voluntarily, with full disclosure of assets, and not under duress or fraud. Courts still scrutinize the fairness of the agreement on the day of divorce.
State Differences: Some states, like California, have a “no‑negotiation” rule, meaning a prenup must be in writing and signed by both parties to be enforceable. Others, like New York, allow oral agreements in certain circumstances.
Child Custody: Prenups cannot dictate child custody or visitation; these matters are decided by the courts based on the child’s best interests.

The article also links to the LegalZoom guide “Prenup Basics,” which provides a downloadable checklist for couples preparing to draft a prenup. By following this guide, users can ensure that their agreement meets legal standards in their jurisdiction.

4. Criticisms and Counterarguments

Not everyone views the rise in prenups as purely empowering. Fortune highlights several counterpoints:

Potential for Disempowerment: Some critics argue that encouraging younger couples to sign prenups may reinforce the idea that marriage is a risky financial venture, potentially undermining trust.
Unequal Power Dynamics: In some relationships, one partner may feel pressured into signing a prenup due to their spouse’s insistence, especially if the spouse holds more financial knowledge.
Limited Legal Recourse: If one partner misrepresents their assets, a prenup might still be voided, or the court may award a more favorable settlement regardless of the agreement.

The article balances these concerns by quoting Rachel Ortiz, a family‑law attorney in Denver, who states, “Prenups are tools, not guarantees. They should be part of a broader conversation about transparency and mutual respect.”

5. The Cultural Shift: Prenups as a Symbol of Self‑Determination

Beyond the legal mechanics, the Fortune piece paints prenups as a cultural shift toward personal sovereignty. By framing a prenup as a “power move,” the article argues that women are reclaiming agency over their financial destinies. This sentiment is echoed in various media:

Podcast Segment: The article links to a The Oprah Podcast episode where host Oprah Winfrey interviews a couple about their decision to create a prenup early in their marriage.
Academic Study: An excerpt from a 2023 study in the Journal of Women’s Studies shows a correlation between prenup adoption and higher levels of relationship satisfaction, suggesting that openly discussing finances may reduce conflict.

The article underscores that the movement has also begun to spread globally. A section cites a UK‑based initiative where the charity “Future Women” partners with legal aid clinics to provide prenup counseling to low‑income couples.

6. What’s Next? The Future of Prenups in a Changing World

Looking forward, the article offers several predictions:

Increased Standardization: As more people use digital platforms, prenup clauses may become more standardized, making it easier for courts to interpret and enforce them.
Integration with Other Financial Tools: Prenup platforms are exploring partnerships with budgeting apps (like YNAB) to provide holistic financial planning.
Greater Public Awareness: Educational campaigns by universities and nonprofits are expected to reduce stigma, especially in cultures where divorce remains taboo.

Fortune concludes by noting that whether or not a prenup is signed, the underlying trend is clear: young couples are prioritizing financial clarity and mutual respect. Whether this leads to more stable marriages or simply a new form of negotiation, the conversation around prenups is undeniably reshaping modern romance.

Read the full article on Fortune:
[ https://fortune.com/2025/08/24/prenups-new-power-move-millennials-gen-z-women/ ]

Additional Resources:
Prenup Power: [ https://prenuppower.com ]
LegalZoom – Prenup Basics: [ https://www.legalzoom.com/prenup ]
* Institute for Family Studies – Divorce & Financial Trends: [ https://ifs.org/divorce-trends ]

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Read the Full Fortune Article at:
[ https://fortune.com/2025/08/24/prenups-new-power-move-millennials-gen-z-women/ ]

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