Prenuptial Agreement
Prenuptial agreement laws vary from state to state and the information provided here is a general overview related to prenuptials pertaining to marriage and divorce laws. Please consult marriage lawyers or attorneys in your state for professional advice.
Prenuptial
By Kristi VaughanAmidst the joy and bliss that comes with planning a wedding, prenuptial agreements aren't generally a favored topic of discussion. Who, after all, wants to entertain the thought the marriage might not last forever? But for many people, a prenuptial agreement can be a vital document.
Once thought of as something only for the rich and famous, prenuptial agreements are growing in usage among the "common" folk, too. This is especially true when couples marry at a later age, enter a second marriage or blend families.
Basic prenuptial principles
In its most basic form a prenuptial agreement outlines what would happen to each person's property and assets if the marriage ended. Other agreements might cover debts incurred before the marriage, financial responsibility for children brought into the marriage and business interests.
Puts finances on the table
Couples often talk about their views on children, careers and residences before they enter a marriage. Raising the possibility of a prenuptial agreement can bring attitudes about money out in the open as well. In fact, prenuptial or not, most financial advisors recommend that engaged couples discuss basic attitudes towards money before they get married and therefore minimize the potential for later conflict.
For More Information:
Unless there are complicated financial assets or extensive property holdings, most prenuptial agreements are simple to draw up. You can either ask your attorneys (one for each of you) to draft an agreement or you can find forms on the Web. One word of caution, in preparing a prenuptial, make sure both parties have signed and that the contract is witnessed by a family lawyer - much as you would do with a will.
