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Why Taylor Swift (and Everyone Else) Should Consider a Prenup

Like most millennial women, I am a huge Taylor Swift fan. When the News dropped this afternoon that she and Travis Kelce are engaged, it felt like my own version of a royal wedding. I love love, and I’ll be cheering for this couple all the way down the aisle. But even as a hopeless romantic, I can’t ignore the practical side of me that says: Taylor should still get a prenup  

Taylor has spent nearly two decades building a music empire. From the Eras Tour to reclaiming of her masters, her career is a masterclass in strategy and grit. A prenup is about making sure the person who built the empire gets to keep it. Without one, courts decide what’s fair… and history shows us that can get messy.

Look at Paul McCartney and Heather Mills: without a prenup, his divorce settlement cost nearly $50 million. Or Steven Spielberg and Amy Irving, whose lack of a prenup reportedly cost Spielberg around $100 million in the 1980s. That’s not just expensive, it’s also disruptive to the legacy they worked so hard to create.

To me, a prenup doesn’t signal doubt in love. It signals respect. As Taylor sings in “Lover”: “This is our place, we make the rules.” With a prenup, a couple sets their own rules for finances instead of leaving it up to the court.

And some celebrities prove just how valuable that can be. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West had a prenup that reportedly protected Kim’s businesses and ensured a clear separation of assets if (and ultimately when) their marriage ended. Similarly, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes had one in place that allowed their split to be finalized in just 11 days. Having represented clients through years of litigation, it’s clear that a prenup can actually make breakups less dramatic.

Life is unpredictable and as Taylor has reminded us, relationships can shift from Enchanted to All Too Well in a heartbeat. A prenup helps couples avoid messy courtroom drama by setting expectations now.

It’s not about expecting the worst, but about planning wisely. Think of it like tour insurance: you hope you’ll never need it, but you’ll be glad you have it if things go sideways.

I’ll always root for Taylor and Travis, and I truly hope their story lasts forever. But even for the most magical love stories, a prenup is smart. It protects both partners, keeps love at the center, and avoids distractions if life doesn’t go as planned.

I love love. I believe in forever. But I also believe in being practical. Even in a royal wedding (especially in a royal wedding) a prenup is part of the happily-ever-after.

Contact us to learn how we can help you create an agreement tailored to your unique needs and goals.

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Written by

Sarah E. Bennett

Principal and Managing Attorney

Albert Einstein wrote, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” This quote has always resonated with me, so it should come as no surprise that my eighth-grade superlative was “Most Likely to Ask a Question.” As it turns out, asking questions is an important attribute for an attorney, particularly an attorney dedicated to family law. When we meet, I understand that we will be discussing the most important relationships in your life – perhaps it is the beginning of a new relationship with a spouse or child, or perhaps a relationship is changing, as is the case during a separation, divorce, or some other life event. It is important that we discuss all the questions and are frank with the answers – I want to learn about you, your family, your concerns, your goals, and your objectives; and I expect you will have quite a few questions for me, too. I am a zealous advocate and a determined litigator. Although no attorney can guarantee a particular result, I can assure you that I will professionally, compassionately, and tirelessly work with you from the beginning of your case to its resolution. I will ask plenty of questions along the way, and I will ensure that your questions are fully and completely answered so that you are able to act with confidence throughout the entire process. Today, I live in Huntersville with my husband, three daughters, and two dogs, Pierogi and Ruthie. When I am not with my family, corralling pets, or practicing law, I enjoy cheering for the N.C. State Wolfpack and the Carolina Panthers, working on my latest home decorating project, and traveling both domestically and abroad. As what I call a near-native of northern Mecklenburg County (my family moved to Huntersville when I was seven years old), I grew up spending time on Lake Norman. I graduated from North Mecklenburg High School, then attended North Carolina State University for my undergraduate degree, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for law school. While working towards my law degree, I volunteered for the UNC divorce clinic, was vice-president of the American Constitution Society, and completed over 100 hours of pro bono work for families in need. After receiving my Juris Doctor, Lake Norman called me back home. I have been practicing law in Charlotte, Huntersville, and the surrounding areas since 2011. Initially, I practiced criminal law at the state level in Charlotte and federally in the Western District of North Carolina as well as the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. My background in criminal and white-collar defense gave me the keen ability to analyze large and complex fact patterns while appropriately and compassionately guiding my clients through the court system. Although my experience as a criminal defense attorney taught me a great deal about the legal system, I chose to transition into the field of domestic law (family law) due to my interest in advocating for the best interests of families and children. I now exclusively practice family law, including assisting clients with divorce, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, child custody, child support, spousal support, and equitable distribution matters. I look forward to meeting you and having the opportunity to guide you through the legal system and, of course, asking and answering questions as we go.

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