Melodrama has acquainted all of us with the lurid stereotypes associated with prenuptial agreements: 20-something bimbo or gigolo pursues elderly parent’s assets. Middle-aged children attempt to convince addled elderly parent to establish a prenuptial agreement to preserve the family’s wealth. Bimbo or gigolo employs wiles, both sexual and psychological, to avoid signing said document.

A more thoughtful version of this sensitive scenario acknowledges that legitimate reasons exist for partners in the marriage to sign on the dotted line in order to protect their families’ assets. But before our legal advisors and we can hammer out the details of these complex agreements (the subject of next month’s column), we must first overcome negative popular perceptions of these legal instruments in order to broach the topic with our betrothed and our families.

Most of us, in the first blush of romance, find it difficult at best to discuss a financial contract that protects against the eventuality of divorce. But once the vows are made, our families’ fates are sealed. This is particularly important for those of us who want to provide for children from previous marriages. And even our children, before they contemplate marriage, should familiarize themselves with the advantages of prenuptial agreements while they are able to consider the matter objectively. Once the complications inherent in a relationship introduce themselves into the equation, objectivity tends to be lost. Even in situations where the specter of past divorce acrimony motivates couples to work through a prenuptial agreement, the process often becomes an emotional minefield of negotiations.