Celebrities Who Should Have Created Prenuptial Agreements

Marriage is forever. However, when it lasts a few decades, a few years, a few months, or in some cases, a few days, the division of property and assets can sting—especially if one spouse earned significantly more than the other. A prenuptial agreement can protect a soon-to-be bride or groom from losing a hefty sum if the marriage ends for any reason. Oddly enough, not everyone in Hollywood believes in prenuptial agreements.

Below is a list of celebrities who should have created prenups prior to marriage:

• Mel Gibson and Robyn Denise Moore Gibson. After twenty-eight years of marriage, Mel Gibson and his wife Robyn Denis Moore Gibson divorced on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. At the time, Mel Gibson was estimated to be worth $900 million. No prenuptial agreement was in place, and California law split the marital assets evenly.
• Madonna and Guy Ritchie. The marriage between Madonna and Guy Ritchie ended in 2000 after rumors surfaced about the pop icon being involved with Yankee star Alex Rodriguez. Guy Ritchie walked away with nearly $90 million.
• Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson. Jessica Simpson married Nick Lachey from the band 98 Degrees in 2002 and refused to sign a prenuptial agreement. Three years later, the couple filed for divorce.
• Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin. Despite advice from his legal counsel, Alec Baldwin refused to sign a prenuptial agreement prior to marrying actress Kim Basinger. Yet in 2002, after eleven years of marriage, the couple split.

Even non-celebrities need skilled, aggressive legal guidance to fashion a successful prenuptial agreement.