You may be wondering, “Should I hire another man to write my prenup if I am a man myself?” The answer is… It’s up to you. Both women and men can be excellent advocates when it comes to drafting a prenuptial agreement. The key is finding someone who understands your needs and puts you at ease. Let’s dive into why prenups are beneficial for men, what to look for in a prenup lawyer, and whether a male attorney is the right choice for you.
Why men should get a prenup
Men should consider getting a prenup to protect their assets, point blank period. Getting a prenup, however, is not about taking everything and leaving your partner with nothing; there needs to be a level of reasonableness. Not only to make your partner happy, but also legally, prenups can be thrown out if they’re egregiously unfair.
With that said, getting a prenup is a good idea for men because it can do all of the following:
- Protect assets (both current and future)
- Protect inheritances
- Protect against debt
- Protect children from another relationship
- Protect stay-at-home dads
- Protect pets
- Protect confidentiality
- Protect social media image
- And more!
To be fair, prenups are beneficial for both men and women, but, of course, there are some experiences that are slightly more common for men, such as being the breadwinner. (Men are the breadwinner in 55% of American households).
How to choose the right lawyer
Men make up about 61% of lawyers in the U.S., so there is definitely no shortage of male attorneys available. Choosing your lawyer based on gender alone is not the only factor to consider. The most crucial aspect of choosing a lawyer is finding one who aligns with your needs and preferences. Here’s what to consider when selecting your prenup lawyer:
- Expertise: Make sure the lawyer you choose has substantial experience with prenuptial agreements and family law. For example, some family law attorneys have never written a prenup–make sure they know prenups!
- Comfort: Choose someone who listens attentively, validates your concerns, and takes the time to understand your unique situation. You will need to share intimate information with this person, so make sure you are comfortable with them.
- Advocacy: Your lawyer should be your unwavering champion, fighting (respectfully) for your best interests during negotiations.
- Respect for Your Relationship: While advocating for you, your lawyer should also strive to maintain a respectful and collaborative approach with your partner’s legal counsel.
- Clear Communication: The lawyer should explain the legal process and your options in a straightforward and transparent manner.
- Collaboration: Look for someone who values open dialogue and cooperation with your partner’s lawyer, promoting a respectful and productive negotiation process
- Gender: While not the sole deciding factor, if feeling comfortable and understood by a male attorney is important to you, then go for it. Remember, both men and women can be skilled and effective prenuptial lawyers.
The bottom line is that you should hire a prenup attorney with whom you feel comfortable, whether that’s a man or a woman or just someone who has experience with prenups!
If I’m a man, should I hire a male prenup attorney?
Should a man hire a male prenuptial attorney? The answer depends on your personal preference. Both men and women can be excellent advocates for either gender when it comes to prenups. The key is finding a lawyer who makes you feel comfortable and understood. Here are some reasons a man might prefer to hire a male prenuptial attorney:
- Shared Experiences: A male attorney might relate to the specific challenges and expectations men face regarding finances, career trajectories, and societal pressures within a marriage.
- Comfort and Ease: Some men may find it easier to discuss sensitive and personal concerns with another man, fostering a deeper understanding of their needs and goals for the prenup.
- Male Perspective: A male attorney may offer a perspective from a male’s point of view that may differ from the lens of a woman. They may be able to pull from their own experiences to help advise their male client.
Ultimately, choosing a lawyer is about finding someone whom you trust and who will effectively represent your interests. Whether that person is male or female is entirely up to you.
The bottom line on prenup lawyers for men
The takeaway should be that both men and women can be powerful advocates for either gender when drafting a client’s prenup. It’s important that you can open up to your attorney and feel confident in their ability to support your needs. If you personally feel more comfortable with a certain gender, then by all means, hire someone of that gender. At the end of the day, it’s your money; you should spend it how you feel comfortable.
Nicole Sheehey is the Head of Legal Content at HelloPrenup, and an Illinois licensed attorney. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to prenuptial agreements. Nicole has Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School. She has a deep understanding of the legal and financial implications of prenuptial agreements, and enjoys writing and collaborating with other attorneys on the nuances of the law. Nicole is passionate about helping couples locate the information they need when it comes to prenuptial agreements. You can reach Nicole here: Nicole@Helloprenup.com
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