Myths About Prenuptial Agreements

When we think of prenuptial agreements, we may think of legal documents that pertain only to wealthy people or celebrities. While that may be true to some degree, the truth is that any couple could benefit from a prenup.

Prenuptial agreements are highly misunderstood. That’s why many middle-class couples tend to avoid them. During their wedding planning, they are focused on getting married, not spending money on a legal document.

However, finances are a huge cause of arguments and divorce. Therefore, no matter how little or how much money you have, you should use a prenuptial agreement to make sure that you both are on the same page as to how money and assets are split and spent during the marriage. Here, we dispel some myths about prenuptial agreements.

You Have to Be Rich

Prenups are contracts that are meant to prevent disputes arising from any asset, so you don’t need to have loads of cash. Even if you have furniture, a savings account, a vehicle, a home, or even a pet, you should consider getting a prenuptial agreement to protect those assets.

A Prenup Will Increase Your Risk of Divorce

Contrary to popular belief, a prenuptial agreement won’t increase your risk of divorce. If anything, it will make your marriage stronger. Mental health experts even agree that a prenup does not affect one’s marriage.

Prenups Only Discuss Divorce

This is a common belief that keeps many couples from getting a prenuptial agreement. A prenup can discuss financial expectations, such as how bills are paid and whether one party will be required to work. It can also discuss estate planning and what will happen upon one person’s death.

A Prenup Can Include Anything

There are a couple requirements for prenups. They cannot be unreasonable or one-sided. A person can also not force someone to sign one. So if your spouse has conditions in the prenup that you have to maintain a certain weight or you won’t get child support in a divorce, the prenup will get thrown out in court. Making certain demands will deem it invalid.

You Don’t Need a Lawyer

Florida and other states require that you have a lawyer draft a prenuptial agreement and help you review it. Even if a lawyer is not required, it is in your best interest to hire one to preserve your legal rights and ensure the document is fair.

You Can Always Get a Postnuptial Agreement

While you technically can get a postnuptial agreement after getting married, the longer you wait, the more complicated it is. That’s because any assets acquired up to that point are considered marital property. Therefore, the sooner, the better.

Seek Help for Your Case

If you’re thinking about marriage, consider a prenuptial agreement. Even if you’re not rich, such a document can protect the assets you do have and lay out the groundwork for financial expectations.

A prenuptial agreement does not lead to divorce; in fact, it can help save your marriage. To learn more, contact the Dade City & Zephyrhills family law attorneys at Madonna Law Group. Schedule a consultation today by calling (800) 557-0411 or filling out the online form.

Resource:

businessinsider.com/prenup-myths-you-should-stop-believing-2018-10

https://www.manderlawgroup.com/telling-the-kids-about-divorce/