Prenuptial Agreement

More and more couples are signing prenuptial marriage agreements before they marry. These are not just couples dealing with financial inequality, or couples who have a lot of wealth. These are couples who want to put all their financial cards on the table before they walk down the aisle.

A prenuptial marriage agreement is a signed and notarized contract that spells out how a couple will handle the financial aspects of their marriage. Although not very romantic, having this honest financial discussion prior to a wedding ceremony can be a very positive experience.

Pros of Prenuptial Agreements:

  • Having a prenuptial marriage agreement does not mean that a couple is anticipating divorce.
  • Financial matters need to be faced.
  • Prenuptial agreements can preserve family ties and inheritance.
  • If your future spouse won't sign a prenuptial marriage agreement, it may be best to discover this before the wedding.
  • The financial well-being of children from a previous marriage can be protected.
  • Personal and business assets accumulated before your marriage are protected.
  • A prenuptial agreement puts financial expectations out on the table before your wedding.
  • In the event of a divorce, a prenuptial agreement eliminates battles over assets and finances.
  • Protects you if the person wants to marry you to get a green card.
  • Protects you if, after your marriage, it turns out they hate your children.
  • Protects you if they later decide they hate you.
  • Can protect you from a financial disaster.
  • This prenuptial marriage agreement can easily be revoked at a later date by the agreement of both parties (say 5 years down the road). Can be thought of as a probation period.

Things to Remember About Prenuptial Agreements:

  • Discuss the agreement early in your relationship. Don't wait til you're ready to walk down the aisle.
  • Be honest. Don't try to hide your thoughts, feelings or assets.