More young couples say ‘sign here’ before ‘I do’

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 14, 2026

More young couples, particularly from Gen Z and millennial groups, are increasingly signing prenuptial agreements before marriage as a proactive measure to protect their financial futures. This trend reflects changing attitudes toward marriage, financial planning, and empowerment amid evolving economic realities and gender roles.

Before tying the knot, more young couples are opting to negotiate and sign prenuptial agreements, reflecting shifting attitudes toward marriage and financial planning. Roshni Patel, a 28-year-old business operations professional from Silver Lake, chose to formalize a prenup before marrying in 2022. For Patel, the agreement was less about concerns over her partner than about taking proactive steps to protect her own future, describing it as a form of self-care.

This trend is part of a broader increase in the use of prenuptial agreements among younger generations. A recent Harris Poll conducted with Bloomberg found that as of spring 2023, 53% of engaged or married individuals from Gen Z and millennial cohorts have signed prenups. This marks a significant rise from 2022 figures, when only 39% of engaged or married 18-to-34-year-olds reported having such agreements, compared to just 15% among the general engaged or married population nationwide.

Several factors appear to be driving this shift. Members of the so-called “zillennial” microgeneration—those born in the late 1990s to early 2000s—have come of age amid major economic challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Many observed their parents’ marital difficulties during these periods, influencing their own perspectives on marriage and financial security.

In addition, changes in societal roles and economic dynamics have influenced attitudes toward prenups. The progress of women in education and the workforce has reshaped partnership dynamics, with women’s early career achievements now often matching or surpassing those of men. This evolution prompts couples to reconsider traditional assumptions about financial arrangements in marriage.

As marriages become more complex in terms of finances and individual aspirations, prenups are increasingly viewed as practical tools rather than solely protections against divorce. For many young adults, the agreements represent mindful planning and personal empowerment rather than a lack of trust. This growing openness to prenuptial agreements signals a notable shift in the way new generations approach the legal and financial dimensions of marriage.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.