There are other ways to keep assets separate that can work in conjunction with a prenup, or alone.
A revocable living trust can ensure that certain property or income is directed to someone other than your spouse, Liu says.
An even simpler tool is to retain separate bank accounts and keep real estate under your own names.
"Some people, when they get married, immediately change title to property so it's in both their names," Liu says. "The fact that you put the other spouse on the deed, (a judge) is going to assume you meant to give half of your interest to the spouse as a gift, and is going to consider that joint property."