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When you are a soon to be married couple deeply in love, nothing can bring that happiness to a screeching halt quite as fast as discussing the matter of a prenuptial agreement. Those little documents ignite feelings of mistrust and panic and most likely raise the defenses. But, prior to you spiraling too far out of control with those emotions, it’s critical to sit back, do a little deep breathing, and take a closer look at why there are prenups.
What is a Prenuptial Agreement?
A prenuptial agreement is a contract created by an unmarried couple prior to getting married that enables them to select and control a lot of legal rights obtained upon marrying, and what occurs to those rights if the marriage terminates by divorce or the passing of a spouse. According to Nolo, “A prenuptial agreement (“prenup” for short) is a written contract created by two people before they are married. A prenup typically lists all of the property each person owns (as well as any debts) and specifies what each person’s property rights will be after the marriage.”
In essence, a prenups purpose is to give rights to an individual to do whatever they want with the assets they had prior to the marriage. According to HowStuffWorks, “It may also be called a premarital agreement, an antenuptial agreement, a marriage contract or a prenup for short. Its purpose is to settle financial matters in advance in the event of either a divorce or death. While a prenuptial agreement may seem unromantic, some experts say it’s just smart financial planning.” While it’s easy to look at prenups as something that states, I don’t trust my partner, usually, that is not the case. It’s about respecting what your future spouse has and enabling them to choose to be able to do with it as they wish. In a lot of ways, it provides peace of mind that may prevent conflict within the marriage.
What is the Purpose of a Prenup?
Having knowledge of a prenup is the first step to comprehending a prenups purpose. The most straightforward way is to look at its applications. It’s essential to recognize they don’t inevitably have to do with divorce but can address the passing of a spouse also. Some of its applications are:
- Safeguarding assets you have amassed prior to getting married, and detailing what you want done with them. For instance, you might want to pass them down to children you had from a prior relationship. Or maybe you are impassioned with a charity and want your assets handed over to them.
- You can define several things having to do with finances. Things such as which debts are owed by which party, or what part of funds are owned by the individual, and which will be shared jointly by the spouses.
- A prenup can designate the manager of financial details and management of assets.
- A prenup may have a spouse waive their right to your retirement plan and designate a different beneficiary.
- A prenup is a precaution when there is a big age or financial difference. Thereby enabling a party to have control of the distribution of the assets they’ll bring into the relationship.
The Myths Besieging the Purpose of a Prenup
Prenuptial agreements often face misconceptions about their purpose. Some believe that they imply one spouse is planning for divorce or lacks trust in the other. In reality, a prenup reflects trust and open communication, as it encourages both partners to address their concerns and worries together. Contrary to the myth that discussing a prenup harms a relationship, it often leads to a mutually satisfying agreement, strengthening the bond. A well-crafted prenup considers each partner’s needs and ensures their protection in case the relationship ends. To navigate this process, it’s wise to seek assistance from a compassionate and knowledgeable law firm that can guide you through the purpose of a prenup and facilitate an agreement that benefits everyone involved. If you’re ready to discuss a prenup, reach out to us and explore how we can assist with your prenuptial agreement needs.
Source:
- OgborneEngaging, Michelle N. “What Is the Purpose of a Prenup?” Ogborne Law, PLC, 3 Apr. 2020, ogbornelaw.com/purpose-of-a-prenup/
