If you’ve heard of the concept of a ‘Trad Wife’ then you’re probably a TikTok frequenter. A Trad Wife is the term for a woman who stays home and doesn’t work. It is a return to traditional marital roles where the wife cares for the children and takes care of the house and the husband works. The notion of a ‘Trad Wife’ has gained popularity via TikTok in the post-COVID world. For individuals embracing this traditional gender role setup within a marriage, a prenup may be something smart to consider. In this article, we will explore what a ‘Trad Wife’ is and what she should consider including in her prenup.
What is a Trad Wife and How Did It Become Popular?
The term ‘Trad Wife’ is derived from the phrase ‘traditional wife,’ and it refers to a woman who embraces and adopts traditional gender roles within a marriage. These roles often involve a focus on homemaking, childcare, and supporting the husband as the primary breadwinner. The Trad Wife movement is characterized by a return to more traditional family structures and values.
But in today’s day and age, how in the world did this concept resurge? According to Business Insider, after COVID, tons of women quit their jobs–that is, about 860,000. These women quit due to many variables, including post-COVID burnout. They did so to keep up with the growing demand of housework and childcare during the pandemic. Plus, prior to COVID, most women were getting burnt out quicker than men because they were taking on the homemaking along with a career outside the home.
What is a Prenup?
A prenuptial agreement, also known as a prenup, is a contract entered into by a couple before they get married. This agreement outlines the financial and non-financial rights of each spouse in the event of a divorce or sometimes death. Prenups may cover topics such as property division, debt ownership, alimony, joint bank accounts, insurance, infidelity, and more. The purpose of a prenup is to allow both people in a couple to feel secure in any scenario life throws their way. A common misconception is that prenups are only there to protect the wealthier person, and not the stay-at-home person or person with less money. That’s not true! Prenups can also help the lesser-earning person, such as a Trad Wife.
What are Some Clauses Trad Wives Should Ask For in Their Prenup?
Let’s face it–marriages end, no matter what type of gender roles you take on. Even marriages where the man is the breadwinner and the woman is a Trad Wife can, sadly, come to an end. So, what should a Trad Wife consider adding into her prenup?
- Asset Protection
Trad Wives should consider including clauses that protect any assets they bring into the marriage. This could include personal property, savings, or investments. This is a very common clause in prenups and basically says, “whatever we brought into the marriage remains separate.” This can work both ways, depending on the financial situation of each party.
- Spousal Support
Given the traditional nature of the relationship, the Trad Wife may want to make sure spousal support (i.e., alimony) stays an option and does not get waived in the prenup. Many modern couples choose to waive spousal support because they both have jobs and don’t need or want the support of their partner. However, in the case of a Trad Wife, they probably will want financial support from their spouse in the event of a split since they likely don’t have their own source of income.
- Wealth Equalization
A clause often called “wealth equalization” or a “lump sum clause” is a way to even out the playing field in the event of a divorce. This clause would require the husband to pay a lump sum to the Trad Wife immediately upon divorce finalization. The parties can agree to exactly how much that would be, for example, they could say the husband will pay wife $20,000 upon divorce. This is separate from alimony and child support. It’s a way to balance out wealth between parties, especially when one person stayed home to care for the house and children.
- Primary Residence
As the homemaker and main child caregiver, a Trad Wife may want to consider adding in a primary residence clause into her prenup that states she can remain in the marital home during the pendency of the divorce and for a period of time after. This allows her and the children to maintain a sense of normalcy during a chaotic time. It also gives her some time to get back on her feet after the divorce and potentially find work if necessary.
- Joint Bank Account
A Trad Wife may want to consider adding in a clause about requiring joint bank accounts. This can ensure that the Trad Wife is taken care of during the marriage and not required to maintain her own finances while also diligently focusing on homemaking and childrearing.
- Health Insurance
A Trad Wife likely doesn’t have her own health insurance and relies on the health insurance as paid for by her husband. In this case, it may be prudent for her to include a clause that requires her husband to continue providing health insurance even after the marriage comes to an end. This may be especially important for people with physical or mental ailments that rely heavily on health insurance.
- Life Insurance
Another way for a Trad Wife to protect herself through a prenup is to require life insurance. Yes, it’s morbid, but it’s financially savvy to prepare for anything life throws your way. She can include a requirement for a certain death benefit. This would hopefully cover her in the tragic event that her provider-husband passed away.
Final Thoughts
As the TikTok Trad Wife movement gains momentum, people who identify with this lifestyle should approach marriage with the same care as anyone else in the modern world does–by considering a prenup. Crafting a prenuptial agreement that aligns with the values and expectations of a Trad Wife is possible and it is also important for staying financially secure in any situation life throws at you.
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: [email protected]
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