Prenups on the Rise: A Growing Trend in Ghanaian Relationships
In the United States, nearly half of married millennials and more than one in three Gen Z report that they have a prenuptial agreement, also known as a prenup. The trend is not limited to the wealthy and famous, with everyday couples, including entrepreneurs and influencers, seeking the protection of a prenup.
Young Couples Leading the Way
Younger couples in Ghana are also increasingly turning to prenups to protect their finances and assets. According to a survey, around one in three married under-35-year-olds in the UK have signed a prenup. This trend is likely to be mirrored in Ghana, where couples are getting married later and accumulating more assets before tying the knot.
In Ghana, couples are often unaware of the financial implications of divorce, says Mark Gilmartin, a London lawyer. "It's not just about protecting the fruits of what's going to be, but also about protecting the fruits of what is," he explains. This means that couples need to consider not just their current assets, but also their future earnings and potential inheritances.
A Growing Trend in Ghanaian Relationships
Becca Gibson, a 33-year-old entrepreneur from West Sussex, and her fiancé Dave Howells, a finance professional, are among the many couples who have opted for a prenup. They earn significantly different incomes, with Dave earning £130,000 and Becca earning £40,000 from her business offering eyelash extensions. Despite this, they both feel that a prenup is a fairer way to handle their finances.
"It's not an advantage for me… but it's a fair situation," says Becca. "I was very open to the idea [of a prenup], especially after my first marriage 'didn't end very well'." Becca expects to inherit a significant amount of property from her parents, which she wants to protect in the event of a split.
Prenups Have Become More Accessible
The rise of online platforms has made it easier and more affordable for couples to create prenups. Wenup, a semi-automated service, charges a fixed fee of £1,600, compared to the £5,000 that Dave initially expected to pay through a local law firm. This increased accessibility has contributed to the growing trend of prenups among everyday couples.
According to Julia Rodgers, cofounder of US prenup platform HelloPrenup, couples are getting married later and accumulating more assets before tying the knot. "You may have some [university] debt, maybe started a business or purchased a home. So you have a lot to protect and to lose by the age of 34," she says.
A Shift in Attitudes Towards Prenups
The stigma surrounding prenups is slowly fading, with more couples viewing them as a necessary step in protecting their finances and assets. Celine Tsoi, a PhD student, and her fiancé Charles Mock, a nurse, have opted for a prenup despite having relatively similar incomes. "A lot of things could happen in a marriage, and you want to discuss them when you still love each other rather than when things go bad and you want to take revenge," says Celine.
The trend of prenups is likely to continue, as more couples become aware of the financial implications of divorce and the benefits of creating a prenup. As Becca Gibson says, "It's nice knowing that if anything were to happen, I would just go back to how life was before."
Source: Joy Online
