June is wedding season and I’m receiving lots of calls from couples
asking about prenuptial agreements, so I thought I would share some key
reasons to consider having a prenuptial agreement.
Much of the stigma surrounding prenups –prenuptial agreements - has
to do with the thought that, by signing this agreement before your marriage,
you are planning for a divorce. But that is simply not true! You are preparing
and protecting your future.
The truth is prenups can actually make a relationship stronger. It forces
couples to set goals and create some guidelines for their marriage. It
gives couples their first chance to have a serious and informative conversation.
And remember, prenuptial agreements are not just for the “rich and
famous”.
Here are the
TOP 5 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 discussions about marital roles
and obligations of each partner. There is nothing unromantic about smart planning.
3.
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.
4.)
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.
5.)
Planning Your Life in Advance
There is nothing wrong with making plans. 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.
With over 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.
Call me if you have any questions about your prenuptial agreement.
All our
FREE 1 HOUR CONSULTATIONS are conducted virtually to reduce risk!
I look forward to hearing all about your wedding plans and guiding you
on all the “do’s and dont’s” of a prenuptial agreement.
Stay healthy & safe!
Warm regards,
Lois
Call New York Divorce Lawyer, Lois Brenner now to book your free consultation.
212.734.1551