Just because we are divorce lawyers doesn’t mean we don’t believe in love and marriage. We do. We just think it is wise to start the conversation about money and family wealth before you say I do and then realize down the road that perhaps your friends and family were right and you should have considered a prenuptial agreement, since the marriage didn’t work out.
We all know that talking about money can bring up a host of emotions. Talking openly about our financial resources is something most of us are taught to avoid, often due to notions about politeness or not wanting to appear to brag. At our firm, we believe that having an open and honest conversation about the resources that you bring to a marriage is a crucial step in building trust as you embark upon your life together as a married couple.
We hope your marriage lasts forever and you never need to look at your prenuptial agreement ever again after signing it. If you are like fifty percent of the first marriages that end in divorce, or seventy-five percent of the second marriages that end in divorce, we think you will find the investment in a prenuptial agreement well worth the effort.
Prenuptial agreements are routinely honored so long as certain parameters are met. These include:
- Full and complete disclosures of all income, assets, and liabilities at the time of signing.
- No duress or coercion of any kind.
- Each person has a lawyer representing their interests (arms-length negotiation).
- The agreement was fair when written and fair when sought to be enforced.
The process itself can be an opportunity to strengthen your bonds, trust and communication skills.
Give us a call if you are thinking about getting married. We will be excited for your new journey and at the same time, ensure that the wealth you have accumulated thus far remains your separate property in the event of divorce.
