You’ve found the one. The love of your life. You’re planning a wedding, dreaming about your future and picturing a lifetime of shared memories. So, a prenup is not even in the picture.

But then, a financial curveball is delivered. In the middle of cake tastings and venue tours, one man stumbled onto a discovery: his soon-to-be wife was carrying $82,000 in credit card debt.

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The curveball has him behind in the count. After years of building a stable financial foundation, he suddenly felt like it was the bottom of the ninth, with runners on base and the score tied. He was the last batter.

Now with the wedding date fast approaching and his fiancée unwilling to sign a prenup, he’s left wondering whether love really is enough — or if this financial mismatch could upend everything they’ve worked toward.

Prenups aren’t just for the rich

Prenups were once seen as a tool for wealthy grooms to protect themselves from a spouse’s financial habits. But that perception is slowly changing — at least for some.

While only one in five married couples in the U.S. has a prenup, about half of American adults say they somewhat support the idea, according to a recent survey by Axios.

Contrary to popular belief, prenups aren’t just for the rich. They also don’t have to protect only the wealthier partner. Instead, a prenup can serve as a financial safety net for both spouses before marriage. When done right, a prenup works like a financial planning tool. Couples can use it to clarify responsibilities, outline debt expectations, discuss potential inheritances and more.

In this case, the fiancée’s refusal to sign a prenup is a red flag. Her $82,000 in credit card debt was a surprise — and it could have long-term consequences. Instead of viewing a prenup as divorce prep, couples can think of it as a way to protect both of their interests in the long term.

For example, the prenup could lay out the plans for the fiancée’s responsibilities on addressing the extensive credit card debt, maybe with some support from her spouse. If she won’t discuss a prenup or set clear financial expectations before the wedding, it might be time to hit pause. It’s better to iron out these details before walking down the aisle.

Otherwise, shared debts could drag down their financial plans.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

When should you consider a prenup?

While a prenup might not be romantic, it makes sense in certain situations, especially when there’s a financial imbalance. If one partner has significant savings and the other has major debt, a prenup is worth considering.

Other good reasons to consider a prenup include if one partner plans to stop working, if either person owns a business, if either has kids from a previous relationship or if one partner brings substantial assets into the marriage.

Even if it sounds like a good idea, talking about a prenup can be a tough topic to navigate with your partner. The topic is loaded with assumptions and stigma. When you bring it up with your fiancée, do it with care and an open mind.

Instead of focusing on protecting your own assets, aim to protect both of your financial futures — even if you part ways.

Start with a shared goal. Be sure to listen carefully to what your prospective spouse has in mind. If something matters to them, find a way to include it in the agreement.

These conversations aren’t easy. That’s why it helps to start sharing financial information early and consider working with a professional to create a fair agreement that leaves both of you feeling comfortable.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.