The True Purpose of Prenups - "I think people think of prenuptial as Just planning for divorce. But all marriages end in one of two ways, divorce or death. And so where I find that some agreements fall short is in planning for the second scenario, whichever it is." - Larae Schraeder

Let’s be honest—talking about prenups with a partner, friend, or family member can feel uncomfortable and sticky. The conversation is often laced with worries about trust, fairness, and what it means for a relationship.

That’s exactly why we felt it was important to bring clarity to this conversation.

To help us do just that, we invited Larae Schraeder, an award-winning attorney from Schraeder Law, who specializes in estate planning, probate, and elder law. Larae brings a wealth of experience, with her background in both law and financial services, making her perspective especially valuable for this topic.

We explore the ins and outs of prenups and postnups, why open conversations about finances are critical before tying the knot, and how these legal documents can go far beyond just preparing for divorce.

From protecting children and business interests to navigating new changes in Ohio law, this episode is packed with practical advice and personal stories to help couples (and their families) prepare for whatever the future may hold.

If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!

5 Keys You’ll Learn from This Episode:

Why talking finances before marriage is a must—even if you’re not Bill Gates (spoiler: it’s about all relationships, not just the rich ones).

What a prenup really covers—it’s not just about divorce, but also what happens when marriage ends by death.

How enforceable is your napkin agreement? (Hint: Notarization, signatures, and full disclosure are everything!)

The lowdown on postnups—did you know Ohio just updated its laws, making postnuptial agreements an option for couples already married?

Myths vs. reality: Prenups aren’t just about protecting yourself—they can also protect children, address business ventures, and even outline how to handle unexpected windfalls (hello, surprise royalties or farm booms!).

Moments

04:55 Notarization for Real Estate Promises

06:52 Prenups: Beyond Divorce Planning

10:54 Undisclosed Assets in Divorce Settlements

15:24 Marital Agreements and Estate Planning

16:53 Prenuptial Agreements: Motivations and Considerations

20:43 Prenup Considerations for Unique Needs

23:14 Medicaid Impact on Long-Term Care

26:06 Updated Divorce Agreement Strategies

30:06 Contracts Beyond Marriage: Versatile Agreements

32:29 Podcast Insights with Larae Schrader

We would love to hear from you.

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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2025 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

Mentioned in this episode:

Listener Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.