If you are planning to get married, you likely have a lot of hopes and dreams about the future. You may even be thinking of ways to protect your future, but are unsure of how to discuss the possibility of creating a prenuptial agreement with your future spouse. Prenuptial agreements have a substantial amount of stigma attached to them and many perceive them as a sign that the marriage is doomed for failure. However, this is one of the most responsible steps a couple can take on their path to marital bliss. Continue reading to find out how you can address this matter with your future spouse.
The most important aspect of discussing a prenuptial agreement with your future spouse is time. You need to give your partner plenty of time to consider the information you discuss and avoid pressuring your future spouse into making a fast decision.
Discussing the Benefits of a Marital Contract
You should also discuss the benefits a prenuptial agreement will have for both of you. A prenuptial agreement can be a collaborative effort that you and your future spouse can work on together. Creating this important legal document as a team will also allow you to develop a better understanding of what is most important to both of you.
Creating Roles Within the Relationship
One of the more frustrating parts of a modern marriage is figuring out the pragmatic, day-to-day aspects of the relationship. Far too often, couples get married without considering their roles in the marriage. Then they play it by ear, trying to figure it out as they go along.
Love is the most important part of any relationship, but everyday frustrations can wear a good partnership down. With a prenuptial agreement, you can determine each spouse’s roles beforehand. You can decide anything from who washes the dishes to who keeps the budget. Parental roles can be established, and you can even give one another final decision-making authority on separate matters.
Designating Property Ownership
Within a marriage, there are generally two types of property: marital property and separate property. Marital property normally includes anything either spouse purchases during the marriage. Spouses own the asset equally, regardless of who uses the item. Separate property is owned by one person alone.
Martial assets must be divided during a divorce. In most states, property division is determined equitably, according to what is fairest. In Nevada, assets are divided equally, 50/50.
When spouses get divorced, they tend not to have each other’s best interests at heart. With a prenup, you can designate your separate and marital property through any standard you choose.
Doing so now, when your relationship is in a good place, can give you peace of mind. Regardless of what happens in the future, your respective assets and interests will be protected. It might not sound like a romantic notion, but creating a prenuptial together can benefit both you and your spouse.
Planning for the Worst
Unfortunately, about half of all marriages end in divorce. Of course, you want your marriage to last forever, but you stand a 50% chance of it ending one day. You can make a divorce plan now, using a martial agreement.
You can plan for anything from property division, spousal support, child support, and child custody or visitation. Doing this now can save you a lot of extra grief if the relationship unfortunately ends. You won’t need to worry about fighting over these matters in court, and you’ll be able to sever your union more cleanly.
Schedule an Initial Case Review with One of Our Experienced Attorneys Today!
Before you take your trip down the aisle, you and your future spouse should consider creating a prenuptial agreement to protect your future. At Ford & Friedman our team of family law attorneys can guide you through the process of creating an effective prenuptial agreement that protects your interests. You may never have to use it, but knowing that it is there can help give you and your spouse peace of mind.
Reach out to our law office today at (702) 904-9898 to set up an initial case evaluation with one of our experienced family law attorneys to get started on creating a prenuptial agreement.