Do You Really Need a Prenup? Lessons from Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce
When celebrities like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce get engaged, fans celebrate—but lawyers think about prenuptial agreements. A prenup isn’t about planning for divorce. It’s about protecting assets, clarifying expectations, and reducing conflict. For Swift and Kelce, with vastly different net worths and complex income streams, a prenup would be essential. In Nebraska, prenups are governed by the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (UPAA), which requires full disclosure and fairness when the agreement is signed. This article explains what a prenup is, why it matters, how Nebraska law treats them, and why it may be a smart idea for anyone—from billion-dollar pop stars to business owners in Lincoln—to consider before marriage.
Why High-Net-Worth Couples Use Prenups
Taylor Swift’s net worth exceeds $1 billion, while Travis Kelce’s is closer to $90 million. Both are independently successful, but the disparity highlights why prenups aren’t just for the ultra-wealthy—they’re practical for anyone with assets, businesses, or financial goals to protect.
What Is a Prenup?
A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract signed before marriage that sets out how assets, debts, and future income will be handled if the marriage ends. While sometimes seen as unromantic, in reality a prenup:
Provides transparency before marriage
Protects property and business interests
Reduces future conflict by clarifying expectations
Protecting Your Assets: From Music Royalties to Nebraska Farms
For Swift and Kelce, a prenup could address royalties, NFL contracts, endorsements, and shared property. For Nebraskans, the same principles apply to farms, small businesses, or retirement savings. A prenup can:
Protect Premarital Assets: Keep Swift’s music catalog or a Nebraska farm in the family.
Clarify Income: Define how business revenue, royalties, or investment income are treated.
Manage Joint Purchases: Set rules for dividing homes, businesses, or investments acquired together.
Avoid Public Battles: Provide private, efficient resolutions if the marriage ends.
Nebraska Law on Prenuptial Agreements
Nebraska follows the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (UPAA). A prenup will be enforceable if:
It is entered into voluntarily.
There is a fair and reasonable disclosure of all assets and debts before signing.
The agreement was not unconscionable (grossly unfair or one-sided) when it was signed.
Important nuance: Spousal support provisions have a special rule. Even if valid when signed, a court may decline to enforce a spousal support waiver if doing so would leave a spouse eligible for public assistance at the time of divorce.
Couples may cover:
Property division at divorce or death
Spousal support (alimony)
Estate planning coordination
They cannot predetermine child custody or child support. Courts must always decide those based on the child’s best interests.
The Real Value of a Prenup
A prenup isn’t about distrust—it’s about maturity and planning. By setting financial expectations upfront, couples strengthen trust and reduce conflict.
For Swift and Kelce, it’s about protecting legacies. For Nebraskans, it may be about safeguarding a farm, small business, or retirement savings. Either way, the value is the same: peace of mind.
FAQ: Prenups in Nebraska
Are prenups enforceable in Nebraska?
Yes. Nebraska courts enforce prenups under the UPAA if they are voluntary, fair, and include full financial disclosure.
Can a prenup cover alimony?
Yes. Couples can address spousal support, but a court can override the agreement if enforcing it would cause a spouse to qualify for public assistance.
Can a prenup decide child custody or child support?
No. Nebraska law prohibits prenups from controlling custody or support. Those decisions are always based on the child’s best interests at the time of divorce.
Do only wealthy couples need prenups?
No. Anyone who owns a home, farm, business, or investments—or who has children from a prior relationship—can benefit.
When should I get a prenup in Nebraska?
Well before the wedding. Last-minute agreements can be challenged as coerced.
How much does a prenup cost in Nebraska?
Costs vary depending on your finances and negotiations. However, a prenup almost always costs less than a contested divorce. Our office offers clear, flat-fee pricing after an initial consultation.
Next Steps: Discuss Your Future with Confidence
A prenuptial agreement isn’t a DIY project. Getting it right requires careful drafting and a clear understanding of Nebraska law.
If you’re considering a prenup and want to protect your assets with clarity and respect, schedule a confidential consultation with our office today. We’ll help you build a strong foundation for your marriage.