Top Five Surprising Facts You Need to Know About Prenuptial Agreements in Family Law.

Prenuptial agreements, commonly known as prenups, are legal contracts signed between two individuals considering getting married. More and more couples are now opting for prenups to protect their assets and interests in case of a potential divorce. While prenuptial agreements are standard, people often overlook some surprising facts. 

#1: You Don’t Need to be Wealthy to Get a Prenup.

One of the most popular myths about prenuptial agreements is that they are only for the rich and famous. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. A prenup is an agreement that sets out how assets will be divided if the marriage ends. It’s essential to have a prenup whether you are rich or not, especially if you own property or have other assets you want to protect. A prenup can help you avoid disputes and save you money on legal fees that may arise in case of a divorce.

#2 Prenups Can Address More Than Just the Division of Property.

Many people believe that prenuptial agreements are only for deciding how assets will be divided in case of a divorce. However, prenups can cover many other issues, including spousal support, debt division, how assets will be passed down to heirs, and much more. You can also agree on how finances will be managed during your marriage and set expectations for financial decisions. This can help you avoid arguments related to money and financial issues that may arise down the line.

#3 Prenups Can Protect Your Inheritance.

Another surprising fact about prenups is that they can protect your inheritance. If you expect to inherit property from a family member, you can include provisions in your prenup that protect your inheritance in case of a divorce or separation. This can be especially important if the inheritance is substantial or if there’s a risk that your partner may try to claim ownership of the inheritance. 

#4: Prenups Can Help Avoid Lengthy Divorce Proceedings.

Dealing with a divorce can be an emotionally draining experience. It can also be a lengthy and expensive process. However, a prenup can help streamline the divorce proceedings by outlining the terms in advance. This can help avoid lengthy legal battles when couples disagree on dividing property or assets. A prenup can help reduce stress and the financial burden of a divorce.

#5: Both Parties Need to be Involved in the Prenup Process.

Finally, knowing that both parties must be involved in the prenup process is essential. This means that both you and your partner must agree to the terms of the prenup and have the opportunity to consult with an attorney to ensure the agreement is fair and reasonable. A prenup should be done as much in advance of the wedding day as possible to ensure that both parties have plenty of time to look over and meet with their different attorneys.  A prenup should never be rushed into and the parties should consider signing said prenup months in advance of the wedding.  A prenup is a legal contract that can significantly impact your future, and it’s important to take the time to ensure that the agreement is in your best interest. 

If you are looking to get married and want to discuss whether a prenuptial agreement is right for you, please reach out to Angela Silvey at Silvey & Associates for a free consultation today to discuss your case. Angela specializes in handling complex and difficult divorces. 

This post is sponsored by Silvey & Associates. Angela Silvey is based in Jefferson City, Missouri, and is licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri and licensed to practice in the United States District Court for the Eastern and Western District of Missouri. Learn more about Silvey & Associates at silveylegal.com.