They’re not just for the wealthy, prenuptial agreements “prenups” have become increasingly popular amongst Americans with more and more millennials signing them. Prenups serve to protect an individual’s finances and assets before entering a marriage and in the event of a dissolution of marriage. With younger people waiting longer to get married and with divorce rates continuing to rise, people are accumulating deeper personal wealth and obtaining more assets. They are being careful about who they are dating and weighing the “pros and cons” of entering a marriage and sharing one roof. They want to know whatever happens, they won’t lose anything to a partner should they separate or divorce.
It might not seem romantic going over what belongs to who, who gets what money or assets, who is responsible for any debts incurred before a marriage even begins, but to many it’s an agreement based on future financial security. A prenup comes with its own set of pros and cons, but the greatest benefit comes from having a set plan in place which will save those entering the agreement in a variety of ways; especially, as related to time, emotions, and finances. Several family law and divorce lawyers and family planning attorneys will recommend that couples who plan to enter into a marriage should also know the divorce laws and requirements of the current county and state in which they reside. A Greensboro divorce attorney or family law attorney that services the Piedmont Triad North Carolina area or surrounding communities can assist you to understand these laws and requirements as well as create a prenuptial agreement for you.
So, how do you know if a prenup is right for you? If you do not have a lot of finances or assets perhaps a prenup may not be right for you or your partner. On the other hand, if you have a significant number of finances and assets that range upwards of a hundred thousand dollars or more, you have children from a previous relationship that you want to leave an inheritance to, or you own a business, considering a prenup may be the right option for you. Even if you do not come to a prenuptial agreement, there is also a postnuptial agreement that can be done after a couple has married and is just as enforceable as a prenuptial contract. It is also advised by many attorneys to seek separate counsel to represent you and your best interest and if the prenup should be implemented in full upon separation and divorce.
Having a conversation with your partner before entering a marriage about prenups and the event of possible divorce is not an easy one. However, in today’s society it is key to be prepared for your future should undesired and unexpected events occur in your partnership. It will give both you and your partner peace of mind and what to expect from one another without surprises. If you and your partner are planning for marriage and would like to obtain information about prenups or to have one drafted, contact us! At the Law Office of Stephen E. Robertson, we provide prenuptial agreement, divorce, family law services, and more. Stephen E. Robertson is a Family Law Attorney in Greensboro NC as well as a very reputable Greensboro Divorce Lawyer. He serves the following North Carolina counties: Guilford, Rockingham, Randolph, Forsyth, Davidson, Alamance, and surrounding communities. For more information, contact our office at info@stevelawfirm.com.
