In the mid to late 2010s Sherri Shepherd, former View co-host and actress, made headlines for her divorce and child custody battle. At the time Shepherd had one child from a previous marriage and another on the way, leading Sherri to open up on-air about a key issue at the heart of her case: she was the primary income earner in her household.
According to traditional beliefs, the “breadwinner” role was assumed to be the husband. But today, it’s increasingly common for both spouses to earn similar incomes, or for the wife to earn more. Shepherd’s situation, while high-profile, reflects a broader shift in family dynamics and financial expectations. And it’s a reminder that every couple, regardless of fame or fortune, should have open conversations about money, roles, and future plans, especially before marriage.
The Rise of Dual-Income Households
In New York and across the country, it’s now expected—not just accepted—for married women to participate in the workforce. That may sound obvious, but just 50 years ago, the norm was vastly different. The shift hasn’t been gradual, it’s been rapid, driven by economic necessity and cultural evolution.
Many women today find themselves in roles their mothers never imagined: managing household budgets, paying bills, and making major financial decisions. The recession and rising living costs have accelerated this change, giving women more control over their financial futures—and more responsibility.
This shift is empowering, but it also introduces new pressures. When one partner handles most of the financial planning, it can create strain, especially if expectations aren’t clearly defined. That’s where a prenuptial agreement becomes essential!
Why Women Are Leading the Prenup Conversation
If you’re a woman in New York planning your wedding, you’re probably also thinking about your financial future. A prenuptial agreement isn’t just a legal document, it’s a tool for clarity, communication, and long-term security.
Unlike the June Cleaver stereotype, today’s wife is just as likely to be the one allocating funds, managing investments, and planning for retirement. A prenup allows couples to discuss financial priorities openly, avoiding future misunderstandings like:
- “I thought we were saving that inheritance.”
- “I didn’t know you felt that way about retirement planning.”
- “I assumed we’d both keep working after having kids.”
With NYC Prenup, you can draft a custom agreement that reflects your values and goals!
Prenups, Parenthood, and Career Planning
Engaged couples should consider not just their current financial picture, but how it might evolve, especially if they plan to expand their family. While you can’t predict every twist and turn, a prenup can help you map out a general roadmap:
- Will both partners continue working after having children?
- Will one person become (or remain) the primary breadwinner?
- How will childcare costs and responsibilities be shared?
You can include parameters in your prenup that reflect your intentions. And if those expectations change, your agreement can be amended through a postnuptial update.
Financial Transparency Builds Stronger Marriages
One of the biggest benefits of a prenup is that it encourages honest, proactive conversations. Instead of reacting to financial surprises years into the marriage, you’re setting expectations from the start.
This doesn’t mean you’re planning for divorce. It means you’re planning for life! A prenup can help you:
- Define how assets and debts will be managed
- Clarify expectations around income, savings, and spending
- Protect inheritances, business interests, or family property
- Establish financial boundaries that support both partners
And for women who are leading the financial charge, it’s a way to ensure your contributions are respected and protected.
Final Thoughts
Sherri Shepherd’s story may have unfolded in the spotlight, but the issues she’s faced are universal. As family roles continue to evolve, so should the way couples prepare for marriage. A prenuptial agreement isn’t just for celebrities, it’s for anyone who wants to build a marriage on transparency, trust, and shared goals.
If you’re planning your wedding in New York, consider making a prenup part of your planning process. It’s a smart, empowering step toward a secure future, for both of you. Either partner can initiate the important prenup conversation, especially the modern woman!
Want to learn more?
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Here at NYC Prenup, we create documents for anyone; Prenups for working women, dual-income marriages, celebrity prenups, and prenups for anyone. Let’s create a document that reflects your values—and protects your future. NYC Prenup offers superior service—at an unbeatable price!