Many couples are eagerly preparing for a romantic Valentine’s Day. Many couples will get engaged on Valentine’s Day like pop star Lady Gaga and actor Taylor Kinney did last year.
Suddenly everyone is swept away by love, planning a wedding, finding a dress and making a guest list. I’m not sure if Lady Gaga and Taylor Kinney have considered a prenuptial agreement or if newly engaged supermodel Jerry Hall and media mogul Rupert Murdoch will be drafting one, but I say, “With 50% of all first marriages failing and a larger percentage of remarriages failing in the U.S., protecting yourself financially should, if the love fades, be your number one consideration.” Now what most people don’t realize is prenuptial agreements are not just for the rich and famous. Prenuptial agreements should be considered by all couples planning a marriage.
Although at first the thought of a pre-nupt is not very romantic, they are a practical tool for helping manage financial affairs should your relationship unfortunately break down. A prenuptial agreement is signed by the couple before the wedding ceremony. So in addition to planning your wedding, picking flowers and choosing a band, consider meeting with an attorney so you can both be properly protected. And don’t wait until the last minute!
If you are considering a prenuptial agreement here are some of the issues I can help you sort through before the big wedding day:
- Finances
- Property
- Inheritances
- Children
- Careers
- Pets
- Household chores
- Sex
A prenuptial agreement will cost some money now, but it can save a lot of time, money and heartache in the future. For a prenuptial agreement to be fair both parties must share financial information, be in touch with what they truly want and need, not be unduly pressured to sign one, and each party should have an attorney review the prenuptial agreement once drafted to make sure all the issues have been addressed and both parties are fairly protected.
If you would like expert prenuptial guidance give me a call. I will be happy to answer your questions, give you some food for thought and help you protect your rights through this process.
For those of you getting engaged this Valentine’s Day, I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness.
Happy Valentine’s Day and warm wedding wishes! If you have questions or would like to learn more about how Lois M. Brenner, Esq. can help you, contact us today!