Prenuptial Agreements as Wealth Governance: A Framework for Family Office Leadership

WEEKLY EDITION • June 17, 2026

Prenuptial agreements are often viewed primarily as legal documents designed to protect assets in the event of divorce. However, for families managing substantial wealth, complex ownership structures, and multigenerational enterprises, prenuptial planning can serve a broader purpose as a wealth governance tool. In this article, the authors examine how family offices can integrate prenuptial and postnuptial planning into a comprehensive governance framework that protects family wealth, reduces legal risk, and supports healthy family relationships. They explore key legal considerations, common areas of dispute, practical implementation strategies, and the role family office leaders can play in helping families navigate one of the most sensitive intersections between personal relationships and financial stewardship.