Prenuptial Agreements 101: What You Should Know

Most people think of celebrities or people who are only in it for the money when they think of prenuptial agreements. While it is common practice for celebrities to enter into a prenuptial agreement, that doesn’t mean they’re not for more average people like us.

There is a lot of misinformation out there about prenups, and we hope this blog can help answer some of your questions. December is a popular month for engagements; as you plan your marriage over the next year, keep a prenuptial agreement in mind as an option. If you and your partner would like to draft one up, visit The Law Office of Ronald L. Kossack today for help with this aspect of family law in Tempe. Our family law lawyer will help the two of you create a prenuptial agreement that will work for your family.

What is a prenuptial agreement?

Often referred to as a prenup, a prenuptial agreement is a private agreement that a couple creates and signs before getting married. This agreement will dictate the division of assets in the event of divorce or death. Each state has different requirements, terms, and law regarding prenups, but a family law lawyer in your state can help.

Why should someone get a prenuptial agreement?

Divorce is stressful. And though you’re definitely not going into your marriage expecting it to fail, you could eliminate a lot of stress down the road if you’re proactive now about what could happen. A prenuptial agreement, in the event of death or divorce, can save time, money, and stress. On top of this, discussing this aspect of family law prior to your marriage can help improve communication between you and your partner.

Isn’t getting a prenuptial agreement giving up on the marriage?

There are a lot of people out there who believe prenups are only for people who plan to divorce — people who are only in the marriage for the money from their partner. While this may be the case at times, it’s certainly not the rule. Entering a prenuptial agreement before your marriage is simply making your marriage simpler later on if you were to divorce or you or if your spouse were to die. It doesn’t mean you’re going in planning on divorce. That being said, different people can view this facet of family law differently; be open and forthright with your partner when first discussing prenuptial agreements and why you want one.

What can a prenuptial agreement cover?

There are a lot of different aspects a prenuptial agreement can cover. Meet with a family law lawyer to discuss what yours could address.

  • What assets are marital and what assets are individual
  • Division of assets
  • Alimony and spousal support (or lack thereof)

Prenuptial agreements cannot dictate future child custody or lifestyle clauses (cleanliness of the house, weight gain, etc.).

Visit The Law Office Of Ronald L. Kossack Today

Think a prenuptial agreement could be right for your relationship? Let our family law firm in Tempe help. Ronald Kossack is an experienced, qualified family law attorney who can help you understand and create a prenuptial agreement. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

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