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Should you get a prenuptial agreement before marriage?

On Behalf of | May 13, 2016 | Prenuptial Agreements

When you’re about to get married, you probably feel so much love for your spouse that you don’t feel it’s necessary to protect yourself with a prenuptial agreement. However, that might not be the best legal move. In the long term, you have to think about what happens if that excitement dissipates; what happens if you get a divorce? Even if not, protecting yourself now can alleviate many of the concerns you could have in the back of your mind.

A prenuptial agreement isn’t a sign that you don’t trust your significant other, and in some ways, it’s a sign that you do. Prenuptial agreements don’t just limit someone’s access to assets. It also protects you and your spouse from taking on each other’s debts and works out things like what to do if you divorce and own a home or come into money.

It’s usually recommended that people who have substantial assets get a prenuptial agreement. Without one, the state laws and courts may influence your ability to protect your assets. A prenuptial agreement can also help you figure out what to do if one of you dies; who will receive what from your estate, and how will your child, if you have one, benefit?

Drafting a prenuptial agreement can be a two-person deal. Both you and your spouse can work it out together, so you feel that it is fair to both parties. Or, you can go to your attorney alone and work out a prenuptial agreement that you want signed before you tie the knot. In either case, you’ll be protected.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Sign Here,” Mary Pilon, accessed May 13, 2016

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