Prenuptial agreements are sometimes looked down upon because they can make it seem like one partner doesn’t trust the other — even before the marriage has gotten started. The truth is, though, that prenuptial agreements are a wonderful way to protect both people who are entering a marriage.
With a prenuptial agreement, you can do a few things now to protect yourself during your marriage and in the case of a divorce. Some of the topics you can address in a prenup include:
- Business information, such as who owns or can profit from a business during the marriage
- Debt obligations and who should pay upon divorce
- Alimony and if you or the other party would like to receive it upon divorce
There are many different topics you can address, so don’t think that this is a complete list.
Why would you want to get a prenuptial agreement?
It may be a good idea to get a prenuptial agreement if you or your spouse to make much more money than the other. If you or your partner own a business or have significant debt, these topics can be addressed in a prenuptial agreement, as well.
Another concern some people have is what happens if they divorce with pets. You can generally include your pets (and custody rights over those pets) in a prenuptial agreement.
A prenuptial agreement can protect both you and your partner, so it’s not one-sided. If you would like to discuss putting one together, you may want to reach out to your attorney and discuss the possibility of a prenuptial agreement with your partner well before your wedding day. Remember, earlier planning is better, especially when you’re discussing finances and topics that are important in your marriage.