We can learn a lot from watching celebrities from afar. We see what’s trending in fashion, discover what new films or songs will be released soon, and find workout routines to earn a svelte physique. And in 2024, we learned an expected lesson from high-profile stars…the underestimated value of a prenup! These stories might not make the tabloids every day, but behind the headlines are real lessons of love, money, and the messy intersection of the two. And guess what? Those lessons apply whether you’re a Grammy winner or managing a small business in Boise. Let’s walk through a few standout 2024 celebrity matches (and mismatches) that offer surprising guidance for everyday couples.
Celebrity prenups that saved the day
Whether a celebrity grew up with wealth or they recently came into money for the first time when they found fame, you would think each and every one of them would sign a prenup before getting married. But this is far from the case! Lots of celebrities and high-net-worth individuals forgo a prenup because they didn’t recognize how important this document could be to protect their financial future. The regret they feel after their marriages end is splashed all over the internet and their bank accounts. First, let’s take a look at several celebrities who wisely entered prenups before saying, “I do.”
Teddi Mellencamp & Edwin Arroyave
In late 2024, Teddi Mellencamp, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum, and her husband Edwin made headlines, not for their celebrity status, but because the divorce documents included a clear reference to their prenup. According to People, Edwin’s filing cited the agreement to spell out custody arrangements, spousal support, and how they plan to divide assets, just as it was written. Their story illustrates a powerful point. A well-drafted prenup isn’t hidden in a drawer; it’s used as a roadmap when things get complicated. Instead of fumbling through assumptions or “well, I thought we agreed,” Mellencamp and Arroyave had a contract that guided their path forward. That kind of clarity is something most real-life couples can use, celebrity or not.
Porsha Williams & Simon Guobadia
Over on Real Housewives of Atlanta, Porsha Williams found herself navigating divorce from Simon Guobadia. Instead of a messy asset scramble, sources report the court enforced their prenup as written, granting her $40,000 in monthly alimony for over a year, and even letting her keep the plush pre-marital home worth $7,000,000 and luxury gifts. That’s not just celebrity privilege, it’s how prenups are supposed to work! As long as your prenuptial agreement follows the legal requirements in your state for enforceability, courts will generally uphold the contract.
Ali Wong
Comedian Ali Wong and her ex-husband entered marriage with a prenup that was designed to specifically protect his assets. But, fate had a different plan when Wong became the primary breadwinner. Talk about irony! When their marriage ended in late 2024, that prenup stood strong, protecting both of them despite unexpected turns in income. Wong’s journey shows that prenups aren’t trying to predict who will make more money in the future; they are about preparing for fairness regardless of how income flows may change. Since we are discussing a comedian here, it must be said: When it came to her prenup and subsequent divorce…Ali got the last laugh!
Celebrities who didn’t have a prenup
Now let’s take a look at a few celebrities who should’ve signed a prenup before marriage but didn’t. Hindsight is 20/20, especially when there’s an enormous price tag involved.
Christina Haack & Josh Hall
Home renovation reality TV star, Christina Haack, found fame through the 2013 HGTV show, Flip or Flop. She starred in this show with her then-husband, Tarek El Moussa. It lasted for ten seasons, ending in December 2022. Haack married realtor, Josh Hall, in 2021 and filed for divorce nearly three years later in July 2024. On an episode of the HGTV show, The Flip Off, Haack discussed her divorce, saying, “Honestly, if I would’ve really understood the repercussions of all of this, I would’ve gotten a prenup or I would never have married him.” Even though they weren’t married for very long, she likely brought in a significant amount of income during that time, and her assets probably increased in value. A prenup could have protected everything that she worked hard for during her short union.
Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck
To clarify, we’re talking about round two of the J-Lo and Ben Affleck love story. These two gave love another try in July 2022. And despite having a net worth of $400 million and $150 million, respectively, they decided not to sign a prenuptial agreement before getting married. Was it because they wanted to bet on their love despite the risk of losing millions? Maybe on this second try, they wanted to “go big or go home.” Only they know their reasons. But, entering into a marriage with anyone without a prenup, especially someone you’ve already tried and ended things with, is a risky undertaking.
Requirements for a valid prenuptial agreement
Let’s interrupt this celebrity gossip session for a brief lesson in prenup formalities. Most states have adopted the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (UPAA) or some version of the act. For a prenup to be valid and enforceable, at a bare minimum, it should:
- Be in writing
- Be signed voluntarily by both parties
- Include full and fair financial disclosures
- The terms cannot be severely unfair (i.e. unconscionable)
Every state is different and has nuanced requirements for a prenup to be upheld. S, talk with a local attorney to learn the legal requirements for a valid and enforceable prenup in your state.
What can you learn from celebrity divorces and prenups in 2024?
2024’s celebrity prenup stories carry universal wisdom. Several of the reality stars discussed above were wise to enter prenups, and the courts in those situations upheld the language throughout the agreement. This is the intended and usual outcome for a prenup if it meets all of the state’s legal requirements. A few of the celebrities discussed have significant regret in not entering into a prenup before saying “I do.” Prenups can give couples security and predictability in their marriage, regardless of what the future brings. Before joining your lives ‘til death do you part, take time to talk with your partner about a prenup. Get on the same page and discuss how you can plan ahead to protect your futures.
Jourdan Stewart is Legal Operations Attorney at HelloPrenup, and a Texas licensed attorney. Jourdan is experienced in drafting prenuptial agreements, and her legal expertise extends to other aspects of family law, business law and entertainment law. Jourdan earned her law degree from Pepperdine University, her MBA from The Acton School of Business, and her BBA from Baylor University. Jourdan’s favorite aspect of legal practice is helping clients fully understand and achieve their goals. She finds great satisfaction in tailoring solutions to each client’s unique set of wants and needs. When she’s not practicing law, Jourdan can be found in nature with her two children and their dog, Stewey.
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