Prenuptial Agreements: Something to Consider?
Your boyfriend just took you to your favorite restaurant, got down on one knee and proposed! And of course you said yes! You have dreamed of this day since you were a little girl and all of sudden, your mind starts racing and you begin to imagine what your dream wedding is going to look like. You’ve probably thought about it a hundred times before, but now it’s actually happening. You need to figure out the style dress you want, the venue, the cake and flowers, whether it’s going to be a big wedding or an intimate one, and of course, choosing a honeymoon destination. There are so many things to think about after you’ve decided to take that next step with the love of your life, and it can seem overwhelming, whether you are the bride or the groom. Certainly, your mind is not on prenuptial agreements, and how you can protect yourself in the event the relationship fails.
You’ve most likely started a to-do list of things that need to be accomplished before your big day. On that list are probably a few items that are not so fun, but still need to get done; one of which is deciding whether or not to get a Prenuptial Agreements (or prenups for short). Though it has been known to cause some controversy between couples, and it’s probably the last thing you want to think about while planning your wedding, it is a very important decision that can have a huge impact on your future. Here are some things to consider before deciding if a prenup is right for you.
Prenuptial Agreements are not just for the rich.
This is important to remember when considering a prenup. Prenuptial Agreements are not just about dividing up assets, but also about debts. An agreement such as this can help protect you and your partner from any debt either one of you might be bringing into the marriage.
Prenuptial Agreements can help keep certain property in your birth family.
This can include any heirlooms that are important to you and your family, future inheritances, and even a share in the family business.
If you have children from a previous relationship, prenups allow you to specify and make sure they receive a reasonable portion of your property and/or assets in the case of a divorce or death.
Prenuptial Agreements and divide up responsibilities in the relationship early
Dividing up responsibilities as part of your prenup might be worthwhile to consider. Now that you’re tying the knot, you need to think about whether you are going to have joint or separate bank accounts, file your tax returns together, who is going to be responsible for paying the bills, etc.… Discussing with your partner and preparing for these responsibilities early on, may just save you from future arguments.
Don’t let the court decide
The bottom line is don’t let the court decide how your property and assets are divided up if a marriage fails or a spouse passes away. You never know what the future holds, and having a Prenuptial Agreement on file will clarify exactly how you would like your property and assets distributed, just in case something happens. It is a lot to think about, but it’s definitely worth seeking legal advice prior to making your vows.
Contact McGrath Law Firm to learn your rights!
The seasoned family law and divorce lawyers at the McGrath Law Firm, founded by attorney Peter McGrath, will walk you through every step of the challenging divorce process to address your concerns and achieve your goals as efficiently as possible. From spousal support, child support, fault, and equitable division of property and debt to valuations, prenuptial agreements, annulments, and restraining orders, the experienced attorneys at McGrath Law Firm have a successful track record in all aspects of divorce law. Call us to schedule your consultation at (603) 224-7111