Many couples in Virginia who have been married for decades often work hard to build a life together and ensure their financial stability. Even when one partner works hard to create a successful company, the other often helps, including making financial sacrifices to help the company. Since Jeff and Mackenzie Bezos announced their intention to divorce, there has been a great deal of speculation regarding how the divorce will impact Amazon.
In addition to being the top shareholder, Jeff is also the founder and CEO of Amazon, a company valued at $800 billion. Though Jeff’s estate is valued at $140 billion, the majority of his wealth is said to derive from his ownership of 16 percent of Amazon shares. He also owns the Washington Post and several other businesses.
Mackenzie, a novelist, is said to have played a large part in the running of the company in its early years but has not had a large role in the most recent years. Reports indicate that the couple did not have a prenuptial agreement, leaving many to question how Amazon will be impacted by their divorce agreement, predicted to be record-setting. Though no one can say for sure what the outcome will be, it is possible that the couple’s assets will be split evenly, forcing Jeff to split half of his interest in Amazon with Mackenzie, potentially giving her a position on the board.
Though most couples in Virginia going through a divorce have nowhere near the same amount of assets as the Bezoses, many people do have family inheritances and businesses they have worked hard their entire lives to protect. To do so, many couples choose to create a prenuptial agreement with the help of experienced professionals. Even if there is a significant change of circumstances after the marriage takes place, a postnuptial agreement can be put in place.
