A prenuptial agreement, or prenup, is a contract couples sign before marriage detailing asset division if the marriage ends. A new trend redefines prenups to focus on what happens if a spouse dies or becomes incapacitated, rather than solely on divorce. This shift addresses situations where a surviving spouse's legal rights might override a will, impacting other beneficiaries. The rise of this new prenup focus is influenced by increasing life expectancies, particularly for women. Women in the U.S. live significantly longer than men, leading to a higher proportion of elderly individuals being female. Simultaneously, the cost of elder care, including home care and assisted living, has dramatically increased. These financial burdens and demographic changes make planning for a spouse's death or incapacitation more critical. Experts note that most marriages ultimately end in death, often preceded by a period of incapacity. Traditional prenups, designed for divorce, may not adequately prepare couples for the most probable outcomes. This evolving understanding of prenups aims to provide a more comprehensive financial safety net for surviving spouses and families.