Planning for a new marriage is a wonderful time that is filled with happiness and love. This is usually not the time when people think legally or practically. Not only are you swept up by all the love and excitement of being engaged but also all the stress that comes with planning a wedding.  However, in many cases,  this should be one of the most necessary times for a couple to consider issues such as their assets and debts. During this time you want to discuss how these assets and debts, as well as any other financial matters should be treated in their marriage.

While many you and your partner may believe in the power of practicality and the need to arrange financial affairs, the words “prenuptial agreement” may not sound appealing, well not at first.  Having a prenuptial agreement can be very valuable, but they don’t exactly scream true love. They can definitely put a damper on the excitement and love you and your partner are feeling.

Addressing the “what if’s” of a marriage definitely has its benefits for anyone who is getting married for the first time, or even if someone has been married previously.  A prenuptial agreement can help you and your partner examine any and all assets and debts that are bringing brought into the marriage. It can help you figure out how these assets and debts will be divided should the marriage come to an end.

How A Prenuptial Helps

Talking about asset division before even heading to the alter can feel a little out of place, but this discussion can give you and your partner the opportunity to have any challenging conversations in a safe and loving environment. We know this can be a very tough conversation to have as a couple because you are trying to contemplate what is the possible way to end the marriage before it has even started. At the beginning and during the marriage the sentiment of “what’s mine is yours” is very loving and giving, but if the marriage ends in divorce, then those feelings are not  usually the same.  A prenuptial agreement can gives you and your partner a clear picture of your finances and what could happen should they have to address asset and debt division if a dissolution of the marriage were to occur.  This is especially important if you are getting married later in life and/or if you have been married previously.

As a couple you are eager to start sharing your life together, but you probably aren’t excited to share the debt. A marriage can rearrange financial needs and expectations, and a prenuptial agreement can ensure that any and all debts are handled in a responsible manner. Talking about debt isn’t usually a comfortable conversation to have, a prenuptial agreement can provide you and your partner with a clear picture of your financial status at the start of a marriage.

What You Need to Know

If you are considering getting a prenuptial agreement, then it is very important to consult with an attorney who is experienced in this area of the law.  There are requirements for prenuptial agreements that must be met for the agreement to be valid and enforceable. This is about to be the most important document in your life and you need to be sure that the agreement does what it was intended to do if it is unfortunately ever needed.

Even though discussing a prenuptial agreement can feel like a difficult conversation to have, it can put you and your partner in a solid financial ground before beginning the rest of your lives together.

HELP IS AVAILABLE

If you can not agree on custody, visitation, support, or any other family matters contact the Law Offices of Keith Anthony at (860) 333-6455. Attorney Keith Anthony can help you navigate thru this process, step by step and is open to assist you.  If negotiations fail we can arrange mediation of your disputes. We can help you make agreements that can be filed with the court.