Bonnie A. Rabinovitch-Mantel, California Certified Family Law Specialist | Primus Family Law Group

Even superheroes aren’t bulletproof when it comes to divorce.

By now, most of us have followed the headline-making split between Hugh Jackman and his wife of 27 years, Deborra-Lee Furness. The couple, who married in 1996, had no prenuptial agreement. At the time, that probably seemed perfectly reasonable since, like most young newlyweds, they had nothing really of value. Hugh Jackman was an unknown actor just starting out, and neither of them could have imagined the global superstar he would become.  However, when they separated ended in 2023, the absence of a prenup and with an estimated $250 million fortune on the table, their divorce was reportedly delayed for nearly two years while the financial terms were worked out. In the end, Furness received a substantial settlement, but a well-drafted premarital agreement could have defined clearly from the start how they intended to divide any assets, even future assets yet unknown.  That would have spared both parties years of uncertainty.

Here’s what strikes me most about this story: no one gets married expecting to divorce. Hugh and Deborra-Lee certainly didn’t. But life changes. Careers explode. Wealth accumulates. And the financial landscape of a marriage at year 27 can look nothing like it did on your wedding day.

That’s exactly why premarital agreements matter, not because you’re planning to fail, but because you’re planning to protect both of you no matter what the future holds.

As a California Certified Family Law Specialist with over two decades of exclusive family law experience, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when couples skip this step. I’ve also seen what happens when it’s done right. A thoughtfully drafted premarital agreement doesn’t just protect the wealthier spouse or deny the less wealthy spouse his or her “due”.  The agreement can be as specific as both parties want and it creates clarity and reduces conflict.  It can actually strengthen a relationship by forcing honest financial conversations before the wedding, not during a divorce.

In California, premarital agreements are governed by the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act, and there are very specific requirements that must be met for an agreement to hold up in court. Timing matters. Disclosure of each party’s assets and debts matters. Independent legal counsel is mandatory.

I’ve spent over 25  years mastering the nuances of what makes these agreements enforceable, not today but at some point in the future, and I’m proud to be recognized as one of San Diego’s leading attorneys in this area.

The irony of the Jackman story? Reports indicate that his new partner has no objection to signing a prenup but it’s Hugh who doesn’t want. As someone who has guided countless clients through this process, I understand the emotional resistance. A prenup can feel unromantic, even untrusting. But I’d argue the opposite; having the courage to sit down together, be transparent about finances, and plan for every outcome is one of the most loving and mature things a couple can do.

If you’re considering marriage and want to explore a premarital agreement, the California Certified Family Law Specialists at Primus Family Law Group are here to help. With over 50 years of combined experience serving San Diego County families, we bring both the legal expertise and the personal insight this process deserves.

Contact Primus Family Law Group at 619.574.800 or online at www.primusfamilylaw.com today for a consultation.