Not Getting A Prenup Makes You Lose Your Sparkle (A Cautionary Tale)
The Valley reunion just dropped, and the Bravoverse is already buzzing with Jax and Brittany drama. One part in particular that stood out is the flashback moment that feels all too familiar, where Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright remind viewers that they didn’t sign a prenup because, in their words, “we’re going to be together forever.” Fast-forward to today, and the once-lovey-dovey couple is in the midst of a messy divorce and custody battle. And, as Brittany puts it, she has lost her sparkle in the process. Now, their lack of a prenup is front and center in their divorce. So, let’s talk about what went wrong, and why this isn’t just Bravo drama—it’s a cautionary tale for anyone who believes love alone is enough to skip legal protection.
“Forever” Doesn’t Come With Guarantees
Jax and Brittany got married in 2019 during Season 8 of Vanderpump Rules, with a lavish, televised Kentucky wedding. Fans will recall that even then, the subject of a prenup was lightly teased and ultimately brushed off. Jax, in his usual demeanor, insisted they didn’t need one. Brittany, starry-eyed (sparkle-eyed?), agreed to marry sans prenup. After all, when you’re in love—and on reality TV—what could go wrong?
Turns out: a lot.
Since then, they’ve welcomed a child, launched businesses, started a podcast, opened (and closed) a bar, solidified brand deals, and now, they’re headed for divorce court. And with no prenup in place, everything—from podcast income and real estate equity to Jax’s tax debts and Cruz’s custody—is on the table.
No Prenup? Get Ready for a Legal Free-for-All
In California (where Jax and Brittany live) any property acquired during marriage is presumed to be community property. That means anything acquired during the marriage is (most of the time) split 50/50 in a divorce. Alimony (i.e., spousal support) may also be warranted, depending on the situatcion. Without a prenup to outline separate vs. shared property or alimony, the court gets to decide what’s “fair.”
And Jax is already leaning into that. In Part 1 of the Valley reunion, Brittany claims he is prolonging the divorce to see if he gets kicked off the show or not, which will determine whether he asks for alimony or not.
This move, which some fans are calling petty, is actually not uncommon when there’s no prenup in place. It’s a leverage play. One party asks for something the other doesn’t want to give (like spousal support, sole custody, or financial control), and the other party threatens to hit back financially. It’s classic divorce warfare, and it’s entirely avoidable with a prenup.
Could Jax Actually Get Alimony from Brittany?
Yes, it is possible for Jax to get alimony (a.k.a., spousal support) from Brittany under California law. Courts analyze the situation on a case-by-case basis, taking into account many factors under California Family Code § 4320—including income disparity, standard of living during the marriage, and each party’s ability to become self-supporting. Since Jax and Brittany were married in 2019 and are under the 10-year mark, this would generally be considered a short-term marriage, meaning spousal support—if awarded—would likely last for up to half the length of the marriage. That said, exceptions exist based on individual circumstances.
What’s ironic about this whole situation is that Jax has touted himself as a big, macho provider. And, now, he’s basically saying he doesn’t have enough money to support himself, and he needs Brittany’s help. Especially if he gets kicked off the show, which is likely his main source of income (and his Ebay sales).
What a Prenup Could Have Done
Let’s envision a world where sparkle-eyed Brit and wide-eyed Jax had signed a prenuptial agreement. With a prenup, they could have:
- Defined what happens to Brittany’s The Valley income
- Protected Brittany’s earnings from post-marriage endorsements or brand deals
- Ensured Jax’s bar remained in Jax’s name
- Defined what happens to their joint income from their podcast
- Waived the right for Jax or Brittany to seek alimony from the other
- Defined who is responsible for their house’s mortgage
- Defined who may legally own the family home in a split, or if it should be sold and the proceeds divided
- Ensured Jax’s egregious tax debt payoff from Brittany gets reimbursed
In other words… they could’ve turned down the drama dial and made their lives a whole lot easier, especially Brittany.
A Lesson for Everyone (Not Just Bravolebs)
It’s easy to dismiss Jax and Brittany as reality stars caught in a predictable spiral. But their story is all too common. Every year, thousands of couples skip prenups for the same reason: they think they’ll never need one. But the reality is, around 40–50% of marriages end in divorce—and that rate is even higher for second marriages, celebrities, and military personnel.
If you’re entering a marriage with a child, a business, student loans, or even just a retirement account, a prenup is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make. It’s not unromantic—it’s responsible.
Back to Jax and Brittany
While we’ll have to see how their divorce unfolds, one thing is very clear: the lack of a prenup is costing them more than money. It’s prolonging the emotional toll, fueling public drama, and putting their child in the middle of a financial tug-of-war.
They were hoping for forever—but didn’t plan for the possibility of a “what if.”
Don’t make the same mistake and lose your sparkle like Brittany. A prenup isn’t just for celebrities, influencers, or Bravo-lebrities. It’s for anyone who wants clarity, control, and a little less chaos when love doesn’t go according to plan.
Because while a prenup can’t guarantee a happy marriage, it can absolutely help ensure a cleaner break if things fall apart.
by Nicole Sheehey, Esq. / Hello Prenup
3 Responses
Obsessed with this article and all the HP articles! I didn’t even know Hello Prenup was a thing. Just subscribed to their podcast, the prenup and relationship chats are SO good!
It really sounds like all these bravolebs needed a prenup. Can’t believe you can do that online now, amazing!
🎭💔🤥 he’s a toxic, two faced, manipulator, gaslighting, deceptive ex.