Prenups are ‘in’—but not for the reason you think

Traditionally, a prenuptial agreement, known as a “prenup,” is a legally binding agreement a couple signs before getting married that documents how a couple will divvy up their assets in the case the marriage ends. (Think financial investments like stocks or bonds, a home or other real estate, and retirement plans.) But there is a new “prenup” trend, focusing less on the marriage part—and more on the “till death do us part”—in the case a spouse dies or is incapacitated, according to USA Today. For example, when one spouse dies, some states give that remaining spouse rights that can override a will. This can also affect others in the will such as children, grandchildren, and beneficiaries. The focus on assets comes at a time when Americans are increasingly living longer than ever before—especially women. Life expectancy differs by gender: Women in the U.S. live an average of 5 years longer than men—and by age 85, 67% of the elderly in America are women, according to a publication from Harvard Medical School. (That average goes up to 7 years, worldwide.) It also comes as the cost of elder care has skyrocketed. From 2019 to 2024, median long-term care costs rose significantly, with a…