From what I’m hearing as a prenuptial agreement expert, divorce attorney,
and mediator, is that couples are not letting the remnants of a global
pandemic stand in their way of getting married. Because nothing can stop
love, weddings in 2022 are back to pre-pandemic levels and both small
and large weddings are blooming!
Since wedding season is around the corner, I’m receiving lots of
calls from couples asking about prenuptial agreements. If you are getting
married and thinking about a prenuptial agreement, I thought I would share
with you some key reasons to consider having a prenuptial agreement.
Here are the
TOP 9 REASONS to have a Prenuptial Agreement:
1. It Can Strengthen the Relationship
In order for prenuptial agreements to work, you both have to be completely
transparent with one other about your existing financial matters. This
means fully disclosing your assets and your debts to one another. Get
the difficult conversations out of the way as soon as possible. Trust
me, the best time to talk about that maxed out credit card is not after
the honeymoon.
2.
Avoiding Discussions About Financial Matters Is a Start on the Wrong Foot
Almost a third of divorces are the result of financial problems. We know
you’ve heard this one before, so why not address this in advance?
The more communicative you are in planning your future together, the more
likely that future will be “till death do us part.” Part of
your prenuptial discussion will include ideas about marital roles and
obligations of each partner. There is nothing unromantic about smart planning.
3. You Acquired Property Before Your Current Relationship
One of the things I have found is that many couples interested in a prenuptial
agreement typically have acquired property prior to starting a relationship
with their current partner. This is particularly true with people getting
married a second time. Often, a couple may want to keep some of their
property separate, especially if they have children from a previous relationship.
The idea here is that couples would like to see their separate property,
or even a certain percentage of it, used for the benefit of their children
in the event of a sudden death or divorce.
4. Divorce Is Very Expensive
Divorces are quite pricey (except if you mediate) and while we know that
nothing can be further from your mind, the reality is that about 50% of
marriages in the U.S. end up this way. Think of your prenuptial agreement
as something of an “insurance policy” that will save you both
a lot of pain and money by predetermining who gets what at a time when
you are not angry at one other.
5. Assurance for Your Children
Second and third marriages are increasingly a common occurrence in the
United States. In some cases, children may feel their new step-parent
will not honor the same inheritance wishes of their biological parent.
A prenuptial agreement sets clear guidelines regarding what a spouse is
entitled to, while ensuring your children’s peace of mind that they
will be taken care of.
6.
Financial Independence
You’re single, you work hard, and you’re probably used to managing
your finances. However, during the course of a marriage, you are likely
to share certain financial responsibilities together. If maintaining a
certain level of financial independence is important to you, a prenuptial
agreement can help set those parameters for you. One way to do that is
to outline your obligations to each other and define where the lines are
in terms of maintaining your own earnings.
7. Planning Your Life in Advance
There is nothing wrong with that. By outlining specifics about your future
together, a prenuptial agreement gives you a roadmap to keep you both
on track. It also brings the tough decisions to the forefront of your
relationship.
8.
Keeping a Business on Track
Do you have a business partner or some other significant business interest?
A prenuptial agreement can help keep that business intact in the event
of an untimely death. That does not mean that your spouse cannot or should
not benefit from your hard work, but your agreement will help clarify
issues surrounding ownership of the business.
9. Spousal Support
You could end up living a long time, but only be married for a number of
years. Should your relationship end in divorce, you want to be financially
protected.
With more than 35 years of experience developing prenuptial agreements,
I can draft a prenuptial agreement to help prepare and protect you and
your spouse for hopefully a lifetime of happiness.
Even if your wedding is right around the corner, don’t hesitate to
call me. I can create or review your prenuptial agreement just in time
for your wedding!
All our
FREE 1-HOUR CONSULTATIONS are conducted virtually to reduce risk.
I look forward to hearing all about your wedding plans and answering all
your questions about prenuptial agreements.
Stay healthy and safe!
Warm regards,
Lois
Call New York divorce lawyer and prenuptial agreement specialist Lois Brener
now to schedule your free consultation.
212.734.1551