Marriage and Prenups

Find the latest news and trends on high-profile marriages and prenuptial agreements, same-sex marriage—including lawsuits, legislation and ballot initiatives—civil unions, commitment ceremonies and domestic partnerships.

Paul McCartney Forgoes on Detailed Prenup With New Wife
Oct 13, 2011

Former Beatle Paul McCartney tied the knot recently with 51-year-old Nancy Shevell in his third marriage, opting out of using a detailed prenuptial agreement, causing an uproar amongst critics.

The 69-year-old musician married Shevell on October 9 in central London, following a tumultuous marriage to Heather Mills which ended up costing him more than $48 million in legal damages after not filing for a prenup, according to People magazine.

According to the Daily Mail, McCartney's lawyers have drawn up a simple one-page document that prohibits Shevell from making a claim on

Prenuptial Agreement Governs Divorce of Shock Jock Bubba the Love Sponge Clem
Sep 15, 2011

In a case demonstrating how a prenuptial agreement can smooth the difficult process of ending a relationship, 45-year-old Bubba the Love Sponge Clem, a popular radio shock jock, and his wife of four years, 37-year-old Heather Clem, are divorcing. 

The two wed in January 2007 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Wrestling and reality TV star Hulk Hogan was Clem's best man and Howard Stern was in attendance.

Kardashian and Humphries Sign Prenuptial Agreement
Aug 25, 2011

Reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian and her new husband, pro basketball star Kris Humphries, have completed the legal paperwork to finalize a prenuptial agreement, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

The agreement will protect each party's assets in the event of a divorce, and each party has significant assets on the line. Kardashian is worth a reported $35 million and Humphries has personal assets of between $8 and $16 million.

Lawsuit Alleges Lawyers Duped Dying Businessman
Aug 25, 2011

In a case demonstrating the importance of settling prenuptial agreements and estate planning matters with loved ones, the widow of Thomas McNamee, a prominent Chicago-area businessman, has sued her late husband’s attorneys and business partners, disputing the disposition of his estate, the Chicago Tribune reports.

The plaintiff, Heather Rooney, says she and McNamee planned to wed after he was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2008.

Prenuptial Agreement Enables "Clean and Simple" Divorce for Mellencamp
Aug 17, 2011

An Indiana judge recently finalized the divorce of rock star John Mellencamp and his wife of 18 years, model Elaine Irwin.

The couple filed for divorce last January. During the spring, each attended a mandatory seminar for divorcing Indiana parents who have children younger than 18 years old, the Bloomington Herald-Times reports. Mellencamp and Irwin have two sons, ages 17 and 16.

Though the exact details of their split remain sealed in a confidential agreement, the couple will reportedly have joint custody of their children, with Irwin granted primary physical custody.