How to mitigate the risk of marriage/divorce

One reason I would never want to get married is the risk involved with divorce.
Growing up, I recall hearing several stories about men losing half of all they had or all of it during a divorce.

After taking a legal class in college, I learned some very basic stuff about divorce laws.

Two types of laws exist.

1. Whatever the man and woman enter the marriage with, they leave with.

2. Community property. The estate of both are totaled up and split 50/50 between both.

Community property is far more dangerous and common.

I think the biggest mistake that most men make is marrying a woman with a net worth far less than his own.

Example one.

Man A marries woman B.

Man A has a net worth of $100,000.
Woman B has a net worth of $30,000.

Upon divorce, both parties leave with $65,000 net worth.
Man A loses 35% of his net worth.

Example two.

Man A marries woman B.

Man A has a net worth of $100,000.
Woman B has a net worth of $5,000.

Upon divorce, both parties leave with a net worth of $52,500.
Man A loses 47.5% of his net worth.


Sounds really bad. But it could be worth.

Debts can also be included in the estate.

Man A has a net worth of $100,000.
Woman B has a net worth of -$20,000.

Upon divorce, both parties leave with a net worth of $40,000.
Man A loses 60% of his net worth.


It is possible to protect yourself from this sort of risk with a prenuptial agreement. One thing I would like to point out is that while a prenuptial agreement is good to have, it is no guarantee that it will protect you.

Remember, the legal system is not perfect. It is not unheard of that prenuptial agreements get completely disregarded from time to time. I would not want to test it.


Personally, the risks of getting married are just too much for me. They outweigh the benefits.

However, if you really decide to get married, it is important to choose the right woman.

I'd say the best way to protect your wealth from the risk of divorce is to marry a woman with a net worth that is very close to yours.

Example three.

Man A has a net worth of $100,000.
Woman B has a net worth of $80,000.

Upon divorce, both parties leave with $90,000 net worth.
Man A loses 10% of his net worth.

Much less risky this way.

If you do get married, it is very important to find a woman that is financially responsible and doesn't have crazy spending habits.

Your risks go down significantly if your woman has a higher net worth than yours.