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Nick and Jessica Should Have Had a Prenuptial Agreement

Posted by Donald J. Trump on 12/7/2005 at 11:18 AM

Chairman, Trump University

With the end of yet another celebrity marriage--Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey--it's time, once again, to talk about prenuptial agreements.

Nick and Jessica apparently didn't have a prenup. What were they thinking? Jessica's father is a friend of mine and he's managed her career very well so far. I'm surprised, however, that he didn't get her to sign a prenup. I guess he didn't read my books.

When it comes to marriage, one thing I've preached over and over again is that you should have a prenup. I know it doesn't sound very romantic, and it's a difficult subject to broach when you're in love, but if you have any financial assets at all it's critical. You never know what will happen in love and money, so you should always be sure to cover your assets.

Besides being practical, a prenup is a matter of consideration and responsibility. It's a matter of consideration because a prenup can spare a couple some of the messier, more unpleasant aspects of divorce. It's also a responsibility because marriage, among other things, is a legal commitment. Why ignore this basic component of an important step in your adult life? If you aren't adult enough to be responsible, maybe you shouldn't be getting married in the first place.

When it comes to prenups, I'm talking about women as well as men. It's not strictly something that men should ask women to sign. Ladies, if you have assets, then by all means you should protect them before you walk down that aisle.

In Nick and Jessica's case, his career was bigger than hers when they first got together, but now her career has far surpassed his success, so the tables have certainly turned.

Watch how messy this Nick and Jessica thing will get. There are rumors, though, that they may get back together, which I really hope is what ultimately happens.

Donald J. Trump is Chairman of Trump University.

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29 Comments

Posted by Matthew on 12/07/2005 1:41 PM

I find this to be one of the more amusing of your blog entries, Mr. Trump. I just feel that the use of a prenup is that of half commitment to your spouse, but that of course is oppinion. Once again Mr. Trump, kudos for a great blog entry!

Posted by Lourdes Elardo on 12/07/2005 4:23 PM

I totally agree with prenups although most of the people from conservative countries are not into this. One of the reasons is annulment hasn't even been legalized yet. All relationships are based on agreements that's the bottomline. Wedding is a day, marriage is a lifetime....used to be....

www.speakingwithlourdes.com
www.speakingwithlourdes.blogspot.com

Posted by Walter Paul Bebirian on 12/07/2005 10:12 PM

An agrreement that is written is not worth the paper it is printed on if it is not meant to be honored.

Posted by Brent McKee on 12/08/2005 4:54 PM

Most people don't think they need a pre-nup at least the first time they get married, perhaps because they think (hope) that it will be the only time. My brother felt that way and as a result had some very difficult times when his marriage broke apart. I'm not saying that not having a pre-nup would have made the end of his marriage any better, but it would have made the division of property far less acrimonious than it ended up being.

Posted by Greg Calloway on 12/08/2005 6:42 PM

I'm glad you posted this. I'm on the rise in business. I was a recent contestant on "The Biz" (www.thebiz.com)

I'm also glad I found this site.

Thank you,

Greg Calloway
www.thebiz.com

Posted by April Woods on 12/08/2005 7:57 PM

My boyfriend and I were talking about this last night. I have to agree, after having been burned in my divorce a couple of years ago, that you must put these things down on paper. You're right, it doesn't seem romantic, but when you think about it, signing a prenup does show that you're not in it for the material gain.

Another comment: Just because you're entitled to half (in some states), doesn't mean you have to ask for it. What happened to being honorable?

Posted by Mark Fidelman on 12/08/2005 9:11 PM

Prenups are fantastic tools if judges choose to uphold them. Too many activist judges have warped this agreement in California and other liberal states. I'd be interested in your strategies for introducing this agreement to your soon to be bride.

Posted by Peter on 12/09/2005 4:15 PM

Of course the trick is that divorce itself is an annulment of an agreement. For many a prenup is like saying, when we break our first agreement (ie: marriage) this agreement will take its place: Doesn't sit well with many who like to think marriage is forever.

Of course in the case of Jessica Simpson and co. it was quite obvious that they would be divorced within a few years anyways. So as far as Hollywood marriages go I would say: prenup = good thing; for the rest of us, debatable.

Cheers,

Kudos to the posts about honor btw: so true.

Posted by Jason Elias on 12/10/2005 2:10 AM

No pre-nup? Oops. I think if Nick asks for some change--well more than change, it was really affect his career. I certainly don't think Jessica's going to need a heck of a lot from Nick monentarily speaking. This should be interesting...

Posted by Alexander Orok on 12/10/2005 10:17 AM

When lovers are in love, I mean true love! why would they be a need to go into Prenup concept.

Love is not about assest. Love is love. Whatever happens, both parties should be able to handle it deplomatically without a third party.

anyway, I wish them the best of luck. Marriage is a bond. so no matter what, anything that is impossible can be made possible if only there's a true will and passion to get the solution out of it.

Posted by Linda Cress on 12/10/2005 10:06 PM

Lets all hope and pray that Nick and Jessica get back together, they do make a very cute couple! Good Luck to them both!!

Posted by Ina M. on 12/12/2005 3:29 AM

Love is a bird, she needs to fly, put me In-a cage and I will die...:-(

Posted by Ina M. on 12/12/2005 3:43 AM

I have my wings to kiss the wind,I dance on mystery sky,scream loud to trumble clouds,for rain to come on frozen wax..inside the fire traped , I want to see it Burn...again.

Posted by Ina M. on 12/12/2005 4:10 AM

*Concierto Aranjuez*,II part,Adagio,J. Rodrigo.Aranjuez is a place in Spain of Rodrigos honeymoon with his wife Victoria.

Posted by Ina M. on 12/12/2005 4:58 AM

Flamenco guitarist Pepe Romero has since revealed what the Adagio really signified. The Concierto was only half finished when Victoria, pregnant with their first child fell ill, and was expected to die. On being told the news, Rodrigo vented his grief

Posted by Elizabeth on 12/12/2005 1:23 PM

First of all, I never really cared about celebrity relationships. I do enjoy some of Jessica's music, but I don't care who she's with. Second, I'm not to big on prenups either. It might be partly because I've never had much in the way of assets. But mostly because I feel that a prenup is away of planning for the end of the marriage before it even begins. If that's the case, why bother getting married?

Posted by Jay Jay Tolentino on 12/13/2005 4:20 AM

"...If you ain't no punk holla - We Want Prenup, WE WANT PRENUP! Yeaah, it's something that you need to have, 'cause when she leave yo' ass, she gon' leave with half..."
~Kaneezy

Posted by Lakhbir Gill on 12/13/2005 12:53 PM

If Nick were a man,, he would just walk away from the marriage like a "man",,, came in with nothing and walk away with nothing,, but i guess he still wants to live the "high-life" on somebody else coat tale. He should go after Paris. One thing I most admire about you Sir, is how you keep the spot light off your kids. I've seen your daughter only a couple of times on t.v and I think shes much prettier than Paris and obviously much smarter, but yet the media doesnt pay attention to being "smart". I guess you've got better control of the family affairs than most of the rich and famous.

Posted by peter springsteen on 12/13/2005 7:55 PM

It's a pity this pair didn't take your advice about 'focus'. Call me old fashioned because unless you get the partner from hell, marriage is a commitment. My parents just celebrated their 60th anniversary and my 30th is up next. The secret is focus, dedication, commitment and the ability to know what you can change in both yourself and your partner [ for the better ] and accept gracefully what you CAN'T! It helps a little if you realise you are one of the blessed who just happen to find a soul mate first. I have a son and daughter that I am proud of, not wonderfully sucessfull in business but honest, responsible and caring of others. Tip: if you want to invest long term to secure the future of your grandkids, stay married and happy and buy shares in battery manufacturers. The world may go to hell in a handbasket but batteries are forever

Posted by Gina Miller on 12/14/2005 4:23 AM

As wise as this educated foresight would be, I think that some young lovers actually want to "not sign prenups", as a means to prove that they don't have any doubts that they will even need to consider such a scenario. You and I as older and more experienced individuals are realistic, but I think they are living in a Romeo and Juliet condition and no prenup, is their statement of confidence as accurate or inaccurate as it may be.

Posted by William Baker on 12/15/2005 2:13 PM

A Prenup is a must in this day and time. Men have more to lose than ever. Todays woman is educated, The judicial system is so out dated it still recognizes a woman as this victim no matter the situation. We have to understand that love is an emotion, and emotions change, just because your wife desides to sleep with the pool boy does not mean she is entitled to half of your hard work. Get a Prenup,in a world filled with uncertainty, you can certainly count on you still having your money even when she is gone.

Posted by beth hale on 12/16/2005 10:04 AM

Jessica Simpson would not be where/who she is today without the success of "Newlyweds"...this is a fact known throughout the entertainment industry. Nick deserves half of everything they have for his part playing the straight guy to Jessica's partially manufactured ditziness. Without this show she would still be a "B" list struggling pop star, so give Nick his due for putting up with her and the Simpson clan and helping Jessica realize the success she enjoys today. There's more than meets the eye in this case and I think we'll all find out how dysfunctional the Simpsons are if this gets nasty.

Posted by Colleen Funston on 12/28/2005 12:32 PM

Nice to see that Nick will get something for putting up with Mr. Simspon. Mr. Trump, would you have tolerated his 24/7 in your life? I Think not. Also, consider this. If Nick had been the one to come out on top, would you have expected him to give Jessica half? Welcome ladies of the world to "Women's Lib" men have been paying for 100 years, it's now all nice and equal. So, Mr. Simpson teach your daughter to be an honerable women and pay up. Mr. Trump, I admire the way that you have handled not only your marriages, but your family. I have never seen anything about you not doing the right thing

Posted by sherryl robertson on 01/05/2006 12:52 AM

Prenups...essential.Mariage, disregarding the emotional factor,is and always has been,business merger.Even if the couple have nothing when they start out together, their future earnings and everything is an asset!Unrealalized yes, but still an asset.Since when did ANYONE GO INTO A BUSINESS WITHOUT laying down the agreement rules, which also includes the escape clauses.Roneo and Juliet doesn't cut the ice, remember how they ended up?Thats romantic hysterics, not good business sense!If two wish to marry, then they should lay down their escape clauses in agreement while they actually love each other enough to be fair,and they are talking kindly to each other.The big D is painful, and its ment to be that way, but finance is not a game(pleasant or not)and like children shouldn't be a tool of retalation,so a prenup will eliminate the hooha out of the scene.Marriage is serious, so prenups should be an essential business decision FIRST on the agenda.

Posted by thewebspeaker on 01/08/2006 7:22 PM

Depends on what you are trying to accomplish.

Would the smart thing to do, would to be to set up the company seperate from personal fortune?

Also, why not follow the Biblical formula for picking a spouse?

It seems to work great!

Posted by Jerilynn on 01/22/2006 7:44 PM

I think prenups are a must!

Posted by Jerilynn on 01/22/2006 7:48 PM

I'm sorry Mr Trump. I should say prenuptials are a must.

Posted by Nigel on 01/23/2006 6:04 PM

Prenups are DEFINITELY important in the world of celebrity marriages, when most stars marry for fame and/or money!

Posted by Jerilynn on 02/05/2006 4:01 PM

I've been pondering things. Actually, prenups are not always necessary.

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