Should You Get a Prenup? How Legal Planning Can Strengthen (Not Sabotage) Your Marriage

📝 Episode Description:

Prenuptial agreements aren’t just for the rich and famous—they’re a powerful tool for protecting your marriage and your peace of mind. In this episode of Doing Life Different, attorney Melissa Miroslavich breaks down what a prenup is, why more couples should consider one, and how legal planning can actually reduce the chance of divorce.

Whether you're getting married, remarried, or just want to understand what you're committing to legally, this conversation will change the way you see prenuptial agreements. We also explore the emerging role of postnuptial agreements and the power of collaborative law to create respectful resolutions—even when emotions run high.

Melissa shares how couples can use prenups to clarify their financial values, communicate more openly, and avoid costly legal battles down the road. This episode is especially valuable if you're navigating divorce, thinking about marriage, or want to set your relationship up for long-term success.

⏱️ Timestamps:

(00:00) Quick intro: Why this turned into a two-part series

(01:10) Meet Melissa Miroslavich and her path to collaborative law

(04:42) What is collaborative law and why it matters

(08:00) How collaborative divorce protects families and kids

(11:33) The value of financial neutrals and family specialists

(14:25) What is a postnup? And how does it help married couples?

(15:10) Introduction to prenuptial agreements

(18:00) Why prenups are misunderstood—and how they strengthen marriage

(22:01) Financial transparency and setting expectations

(25:32) Are prenups enforceable in every state?

(27:50) Can prenups be challenged in court?

(32:05) Melissa’s advice for using prenups to reduce divorce conflict

(36:40) Why prenups are more about communication than control

(40:12) Final thoughts: Empowerment through legal clarity

✅ Key Takeaways:

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• A prenuptial agreement is a proactive tool—not a predictor of divorce
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• Collaborative law focuses on family-first solutions, not courtroom battles
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• Postnups can help already-married couples clarify finances and avoid conflict
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• Legal planning in advance helps reduce emotional and financial strain later
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• Prenups promote financial transparency, communication, and mutual respect
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👩‍⚖️ Guest Bio:

Melissa Miroslavich is a Minnesota-based attorney specializing in collaborative law, prenuptial/postnuptial agreements, and estate planning. With a background in business and a passion for client-centered solutions, Melissa helps families navigate legal planning with empathy and integrity. She serves on the board of the Collaborative Law Institute of Minnesota and is dedicated to helping couples resolve issues without unnecessary conflict.

🔗 Resource Links:

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• Melissa’s Website: https://www.miroslavichlaw.com/
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• Collaborative Law Institute of Minnesota: https://www.collaborativelaw.org
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• Find a Collaborative Attorney (IACP): https://www.collaborativepractice.com
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🏷️ Tags/Keywords:

prenuptial agreement, postnuptial agreement, collaborative law, how to stay married, divorce prevention, legal planning for marriage, marriage and money, estate planning, women over 40, relationship advice, how to not get divorced, co-parenting, family law, peaceful divorce, conflict resolution, Lesa Koski podcast