When most couples plan their wedding, they focus on finding the right place, picking out a dress, and sending out invitations. People often forget to talk about legal defense and financial planning, but these are very important topics for long-term safety and peace of mind. A “prenup” is a document that can help protect assets and avoid possible arguments. There are some things to consider when deciding whether or not you should get a prenuptial agreement.
What Is a Prenuptial Agreement?
A prenuptial agreement is a legally binding contract between two people, which they sign before they get married. It spells out how their assets, bills, and income will be split if they get divorced or are separated. It might seem unpleasant to talk about money before getting married, but prenuptial agreements can help a lot of couples. They do, however, have some possible downsides.
Prenups are not just for those who are incredibly wealthy. They can be used for many things, like keeping family businesses, inheritances, or personal savings safe. A well-written prenuptial agreement can make things easier in court if the marriage ends, which can help keep legal fights to a minimum.
The Pros of Prenuptial Agreements
There are several positives when it comes to having a prenuptial agreement. Some of these include:
- Keeping your assets safe. Protecting your own belongings is one of the greatest things about a prenuptial agreement. If there isn’t a prenup, the assets of a marriage are usually split fairly during a divorce, which might not be the same as a 50/50 split. A prenup can protect your separate property if you have important assets before you get married, like a business, real estate, retirement accounts, investments, or a retirement plan.
- Protecting yourself from debt. Not only do prenups protect your assets, but they can also keep you from having to pay your partner’s debt. If one partner comes into the marriage with a lot of debt, the prenup can say that the other partner will not have to pay this debt if the marriage ends. This can be especially important if one partner has a lot of debt from credit cards, school loans, or a business.
- Having clear financial expectations. Couples who have a prenuptial agreement are more likely to talk about money in an open and honest way. Couples can avoid misunderstandings later on by making their financial responsibilities and expectations clear before they get married. It lays out how each partner will pay their share of the bills, add to the household, and handle individual and joint debt.
Cons of Prenuptial Agreements
While prenuptial agreements can be beneficial in protecting assets and preparing for a more seamless financial future, there are a few drawbacks that can occur because of them:
- They can lead to arguments. When couples talk about making a prenuptial agreement, it can sometimes make them angry. Talking about divorce before the marriage even starts can make some people feel awkward or make them doubt the other person’s commitment. This chance of disagreement can make people feel stressed out before the wedding.
- Uncertainty about the future. There are times when prenups are a good way to protect assets, but they cannot always predict every possible future event. Things can change over time, like a person’s job, income, or family size, and a prenup that was written early on might not take these changes into account. It could be hard for the couple to stick to the deal if their finances change in the future.
- The emotional cost. Some people think that prenuptial agreements show that one partner doesn’t trust the other or wants the marriage to fail. This kind of mental damage can make people angry or set a bad mood before the marriage even starts. This is more important to some people than the formal benefits of a prenup.
Should You Get a Prenup?
Your unique case will determine if you should think about getting a prenuptial agreement or not. A prenup may be necessary to protect one’s finances for couples with a lot of assets, people getting married for the second time, or people whose finances are complicated. It is important to go into the process with respect and understanding for each other. To make sure that everyone is happy with the terms of the deal, it is crucial that everything is clear and open.
FAQs
Q: Is A Prenuptial Agreement Legally Binding?
A: Yes, a prenuptial agreement is legally binding, but several conditions must be met. These conditions include the fact that it must be signed voluntarily by both spouses, without any kind of pressure, and with complete disclosure of funds. Additionally, in order to guarantee that the arrangement is equitable, every person ought to have their very own counsel.
Q: Can a Prenuptial Agreement Be Modified After Marriage?
A: A prenuptial agreement can be modified after marriage. Through the use of a postnuptial agreement, a prenuptial agreement can be changed after the marriage has taken place. The modifications must be accepted by both partners, and the same legal procedures must be followed as they were when the initial prenuptial agreement was drafted.
Q: What Happens If We Divorce Without a Prenuptial Agreement?
A: The split of assets will be determined by state law in the event that you divorce without a prenuptial agreement, which will normally result in an equitable distribution of the property that was acquired during the marriage. This could mean a split of fifty percent or whatever the court deems is fair.
Q: Can a Prenuptial Agreement Protect Future Earnings?
A: A prenuptial agreement can be used to outline how future earnings will be handled, including how income generated during the marriage will be distributed in the event of a divorce. It is possible that the laws of the state will determine whether or not these rules can be enforced. However, generally speaking, you and your spouse can outline any protections you want in place for future potential earnings.
Contact Stange Law Firm Today
If you are considering a prenuptial agreement, a Columbia, MO prenuptial agreement attorney at Stange Law Firm can help you understand your rights and state your desires in your agreement. Contact us today to get started.
