Postnups & Cohabitations: The Benefits of Financial Clarity

We’ve all heard about prenups and often in the context of celebrities or high-net-worth individuals trying to protect their fortunes. Postnups deserve attention too, and these agreements can provide financial clarity and support for a marriage even after the vows, or offer a clear foundation in a new relationship after divorce.

As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, I work with clients at every stage of the relationship lifecycle, from preparing for marriage, navigating divorce, cohabiting with new partners, to planning second or third marriages. In my work, I’ve helped clients understand that clarity around money in relationships isn’t just protection, it can even be a form of connection.
When we’re honest about our financial realities, needs, and expectations, we give our relationships a chance to thrive with clarity instead of confusion.

In this post, I’ll share more about how these realities look in real life and examine how these decisions play out in the real world.

Financial Planning is Essential for Second Marriages

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements often get a bad reputation, but when created thoughtfully, they can be powerful tools for building trust and long-term stability. I’ve worked with couples entering second marriages who want to protect what they’ve built and support each other’s futures. In one case, a retired, financially secure man partnered with a woman coming out of a difficult divorce and working long hours to rebuild her retirement. They didn’t want a one-sided agreement and they designed a plan that honored both of their needs.

Through financial planning, I helped provide the financial information they needed to help create a prenup that reflected mutual respect and shared goals. We mapped out what she needed to feel secure and what he felt comfortable providing if the marriage didn’t last. The result was that she was able to reduce her hours, take a sabbatical, and ultimately pivot to a more fulfilling career. A well-crafted prenup doesn’t prepare a couple for failure, but it builds a stronger, more intentional partnership.

Cohabitation and Knowing Where You Stand

More couples today are choosing to live together without getting married, especially after a divorce. While cohabitation might feel more flexible or low-pressure, it still carries serious financial implications, particularly if you’re moving into a partner’s home.

If you’re not on the title, have no formal agreement, and are contributing to expenses or home improvements, you may have little to no legal protection if the relationship ends. These risks aren’t limited to one gender or income level. No matter who you are, it’s important to understand your financial rights, set clear expectations, and protect your future, because cohabiting without a plan can be just as risky as marrying without one.

More young couples are embracing traditional gender roles, with one partner, often the woman stepping away from paid work to care for the home or future children. Sometimes this happens without marriage, and while everyone has the right to choose the lifestyle that works for them, it’s crucial to understand the financial risks involved.

If you're financially dependent on a partner and you're not legally married, you may have little to no legal protection if the relationship ends. Understanding how money works in your relationship isn’t unromantic; it’s responsible. In fact, it's an act of self-respect and long-term care. 

Whether you’re planning a marriage, recovering from a divorce, moving in with a partner, or simply trying to avoid financial mistakes, you don’t have to go it alone. Postnups, prenups, mortgage planning and cohabitation agreements are tools that exist for a reason. Not to replace trust, but to support it. Not to assume the worst, but to build a clearer path forward.

If you’re navigating any of these situations, I’m here to help. And if you’ve got adult children heading into relationships of their own, consider giving them the gift of financial clarity too. Contact me to learn more.