Prenuptial agreements have gotten a bad reputation in the media – but it isn't just a document you put together to protect your wealth in case of a divorce. A well-designed prenuptial agreement protects the health of your marriage. We approach our prenuptial agreements by looking for the ways in which they will promote the longevity of your marriage. We've fostered good relationships with other family law attorneys in our area and this can make the process of negotiation a prenuptial agreement both friendly and purposeful.
Due to the way prenuptials spell out in advance the future consequences of a separation, divorce, disability or death, they can reduce the stress and expense incurred if any of those come to pass – giving you peace of mind in your marriage. When you come to us with questions about prenuptials, we take into account the goals of your marriage.
Prenuptial agreements can be used to:
- provide for children from a previous marriage
- show your future spouse how he or she will be taken care of if anything happens to you
- protect a family or closely-held business from being tied up in legal proceedings
- carry out your wishes for a property you acquired before the marriage
- make it easer for both parties to stay in the marriage through tough times by providing greater benefits to a surviving spouse than a divorcing spouse
- plan for tax implications
Often the negotiation process for a prenuptial agreement will engender a healthy discussion relative to how a couple will manage their day to day finances, their financial and personal goals, and their expectations for their life together. These discussions are the kind that need to take place in anticipation of marriage regardless of whether a prenuptial agreement is intended.
How do I know that I need a prenuptial agreement?
You'll want to consider a prenuptial agreement if you're working hard to create or are inheriting a business or property that will be dramatically increasing in value over the course of your marriage; if you have children from a previous marriage; if you plan to marry someone who is significantly above or below your financial bracket; or if you have a family or closely held business that you want to keep out of any divorce litigation.
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