Breaking up is hard to do.

Just ask New Jersey divorce lawyer Vikki Ziegler.

For two seasons, the former Bravo reality television star mediated couples’ disputes over their assets as they prepared to dissolve their marriage or relationship.

She has prepared for that role since earning her bachelor's degree in sociology, science and Spanish from the University of Rhode Island, and her law degree from Quinnipiac College School of Law in Hamden, Conn.

In 1999, Ziegler entered private practice, specializing in matrimonial and civil litigation before co-founding her Livingston, N.J., law firm, now known as Ziegler Zemsky & Resnick, LLC.

Ziegler is also a nationally sought-after public speaker and the author of the 2012 book, “The Premarital Planner: A Complete Legal Guide to a Perfect Marriage.” 

From 2014 to 2016, Ziegler gained prominence as the star of Bravo's “Untying the Knot," a reality TV show in which she and her team of professionals gave couples advice on how to separate their possessions, along with their lives.

This month, Ziegler discussed issues involving prenuptual agreements and other aspects of divorce with Financial Advisor.

FA: Does a prenuptial agreement protect only monetary assets, or can it be used to also cover other items of value, such as collectibles or mementos that individuals bring with them into a marriage?

VZ: A prenuptial agreement covers all topics that arise in the event of divorce, such as splitting gifts from third parties and from each party, artwork, estate jewelry, pet custody and prohibition of social media disparagement.

FA: Does a prenuptial agreement guarantee that assets a person brings with them into a marriage or relationship will be protected upon its dissolution?

VZ: There is never a guarantee. A party can always try to make an argument that the prenuptial agreement is unfair, unconscionable or coerced. However, qualified attorneys can draft safeguards to protect against these arguments being successful to ensure that a client’s agreement is as iron clad as possible.

FA: Do all states recognize prenuptial agreements as valid legal instruments?

VZ: Yes. Currently, prenuptial agreements are recognized, although they may not always be enforced. Ensuring that your attorney is well versed in the law of your state is key in protecting a person’s assets and income before they walk down the aisle.

FA: What other legal instruments do partners in a marriage have that will protect their assets in a divorce?

VZ: Postnuptial agreements are similar to prenuptial agreements, but are drafted after the parties are married. Both parties need separate counsel and must disclose their assets, income and liabilities.

FA: In your TV show, you mediated disputes upon the dissolution of a marriage or a relationship. Do you find that most couples can successfully resolve their disputes through mediation?

VZ: Most can if they try to separate their emotions from money and their tangible assets. Then I can get them to listen and reason with their heads, not their hearts. Otherwise people get stuck on the smaller, less significant issues and cannot end their marriage with financial dignity.

FA: What is the best relationship advice you give couples you counsel before they enter into a marriage or upon its dissolution?

VZ: Get emotionally and financially naked. Tell the truth about your relationship to money, your debts, your spending habits and everything in between. Talk about why your past relationships have failed and what you need to work on in order to have a successful, long-lasting and happy courtship. Isn’t that why we all walk down the aisle in the first place?