Everyone in New York knows the importance of a prenuptial agreement, but in the throes of romance, some couples forego such an un-romantic precaution. No one wants to think about the possibility of divorce as they are planning their marriage. However, as seen from celebrity headlines, prenups are an important safe-guard in the event that feelings change.

Actor Russell Brand filed for divorce from singer Katy Perry December 30, 2011 citing "irreconcilable differences," according to sources who obtained the divorce papers. Sources also say that Brand was the one who filed the papers because Perry did not want to upset her parents.

Perry, 27, is worth at least $44 million while Brand is estimated to be worth approximately $15 million. According to the state's law where the divorce was filed, couples without a prenup must split their assets 50/50. Brand would stand to gain around $20 million, more than doubling his current coffers.

The couple was married October 23, 2010 in India after a year-long courtship. They met at the 2009 MTV Music Awards. Surprisingly, just one month before the divorce filing, Perry said in an interview that their marriage was "lovely." She also spoke about starting a family with Brand, saying that is one of the reasons to get married.

The senior editor at Us Weekly said that the couple had spoken about the divorce, but Perry was likely surprised that Brand chose to file the paperwork right before New Year's Eve. The magazine also reported that the couple had a "massive fight" right before the holidays. Perry was spotted in Hawaii while Brand was in Britain with his family around Christmas. Neither was wearing a wedding ring.

Source: ABC News, "Russell Brand Might Get $20 Million in Divorce From Katy Perry," Katie Kindelan, Jan. 2, 2012