Many people who are getting married are so swept up in the furor over their wedding that they either forget or simply ignore one critical aspect: the prenuptial agreement. This contract is absolutely vital in this age of divorce, and there really are few good reasons why you would want to avoid signing one. In truth, it may be the negative perception of prenuptial agreements that convince people that they shouldn’t sign one, or even bring up the topic to their significant other.
Prenuptial agreements have a reputation of being anti-love. They make someone consider divorce before they walk down the aisle. You could choose to think of this as a bad thing.
However, a prenuptial agreement is, quite simply, a plan in case you get divorced. If you don’t have one in place, you could be in a lot of trouble should you and your spouse divorce. You would be at the mercy of the basic laws that govern any divorce in your state. A prenuptial agreement, alternatively, puts new rules in place for your specific divorce, allowing you and your significant other to tailor your split to your needs.
You can create your own intricate and personal deal by creating a prenuptial agreement. Without one, the law or a judge may not be on your side. You could lose critical assets in the divorce, assets you could have protected had you taken the time to craft a prenup. This is why these contracts are so important, and why every couple should at least consider a prenup.
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “Plan your divorce before your wedding day,” Jim Gallagher, Feb. 23, 2014