Prenup Question - Would you sign one?
I came across an interesting question in a physician finance forum I read. A neurosurgery resident was asked to sign a prenup by his fiancee's father. I'm thinking of giving some advice. What would you tell the young man? Here is the question: "My fiancee and myself are looking to get married in the next few years. I am currently a NSGY resident and have very high debt and obviously a low income with few assets. My fiancee OTOH....she comes from a very wealthy family with her parents being worth somewhere in the high 9 figures to low 10 figures. She herself has a low paying but fulfilling job and is supported by her parents and large trust fund which she is the beneficiary of. She will be inheriting 1/3 of the family estate. - When we became engaged her father told me I "must" sign a prenup. My fiancee has a history of deferring to her father in many things. Unfortunately, he and I do not get along well. My fiancee and I dated previously in undergrad, but I ended things so I would have more time to build a competitive medical school application. He still holds this breakup against me. Additionally, he is aware that I dated another woman from a wealthy family and feels that I am a gold digger. This is an absurd sentiment considering my career and the fact I went to top undergrad, medical school, and residency in tier 1 cities so of course I ran into women from wealthy families. She is also his only daughter and I think he is struggling with her growing up. - The prenup he proposed is absurd. Essentially, all her assets are protected. While all the future income/assets I will generate could be spilt 50/50. I anticipate generating a high income, but it would still be a miniscule fraction of her net worth. I have no desire for her money, and even proposed doing a "commitment ceremony" instead of a legal marriage. This went over like a lead balloon and resulted in many tears. Am I unreasonable to think that my future assets/income should be solely mine considering her net worth? Can this even be done with a prenup? Any advice?"