'Scarred' from $165 billion divorce: Jeff Bezos makes 'hefty' prenup as 'precautionary measure' ahead of wedding with Lauren Sanchez

Before it becomes the ‘wedding of dreams’, it has to be provided with some ‘protections’!

Thus comes the ironclad prenup!

Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder and one of the world's richest billionaires, is set to tie the knot for the second time. Bezos is all set to get hitched to former journalist and entrepreneur Lauren Sánchez, and the lavish ceremony is reportedly set to take place sometime later this month in Venice, Italy. Now, the event promises to be a star-studded affair, drawing attention from around the globe. But before the nuptials, it’s the prenup that’s making headlines.

Why?

Read on to know more.


What is a prenup?

Prenup, abbreviated from the prenuptial agreement (also known as antenuptial agreement, or premarital agreement), is a written contract entered into by a couple before marriage or a civil union that enables them to select and control many of the legal rights they acquire upon marrying, and what happens when their marriage ends by death or divorce.

A prenup is needed to clarify financial responsibilities during marriage and, in the event of a divorce, to specify how assets and liabilities will be divided. It also protects parties from debts incurred by their spouse and helps clarify financial obligations.

Now, given Bezos’ substantial fortune, estimated at $223 billion, and the shared assets of him and Sánchez, including a $78 million estate in Hawaii and a $500 million superyacht named Koru, the couple has reportedly finalized a comprehensive prenuptial agreement.

This move comes after Bezos's highly publicized divorce from MacKenzie Scott in 2019, which resulted in a $35 billion settlement due to the absence of a prenup.


Learning from your ‘mistakes’

Jeff Bezos' previous marriage to MacKenzie Scott ended after 25 years, during which Amazon transformed from a fledgling online bookstore into a global tech titan. The duo had married in 1993, when Amazon was a simple online book retailer – not a billion-dollar corporation.

The couple, who share four children, built their life and empire together over 25 years — but entered the marriage without a prenuptial agreement. The absence of a prenup in that marriage led to a significant financial settlement.


The consequence?

MacKenzie walked away with a 4% stake in Amazon, which made her one of the world’s wealthiest women – essentially ‘gaining’ from her divorce. Her current net worth, according to Forbes, stands at approximately $165.3 billion.


Not repeating the ‘mistake’

Legal experts suggest that individuals who have experienced such high-profile divorces are more inclined to secure their assets in subsequent marriages.

While the exact terms of the prenuptial agreement between Bezos and Sánchez have not been publicly disclosed, it is speculated that, given Bezos's extensive assets, including his stake in Amazon, real estate holdings, and private ventures like Blue Origin, the prenup likely delineates separate and joint properties. It may also address alimony, with suggestions of a lump sum payment tied to the duration of the marriage.


Notably, Bezos has committed to giving away the majority of his wealth to charitable causes during his lifetime. The prenuptial agreement likely includes provisions to ensure that his philanthropic endeavors, such as the Bezos Earth Fund, remain intact and are not disrupted in the event of a divorce.


Sánchez's assets and considerations

It’s not only Bezos’ wealth that’s at stake in the upcoming marriage. Sánchez, 53, brings her own wealth to the relationship, with an estimated net worth of $30 million. She owns Black Ops Aviation, a media and production company, and has a fleet of helicopters and aircraft. Moreover, she possesses real estate assets, including a $6.2 million home in Washington, D.C. Given these holdings, it's only expected that Sánchez has also secured her assets through a prenuptial agreement.



The ‘dream’ wedding

The couple has chosen Venice, renowned for its romantic ambiance and historic charm, as the backdrop for their nuptials. Reports suggest that the ceremony may take place aboard Bezos's $500 million superyacht, Koru, off the Italian coast—a location that holds sentimental value, as it was where Bezos proposed and later celebrated their engagement with family and friends.

The guest list is expected to include a who's who of celebrities and dignitaries. Notable figures such as Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian, and Kris Jenner are anticipated to attend, adding to the glamour of the event.

The wedding is reportedly being organized by George and Amal Clooney's wedding planners, ensuring a meticulously curated celebration. Sources indicate that the couple is incorporating elements from their favorite places around the world into the festivities, promising a unique and personalized experience for their guests.