Does Everyone Getting Married Need a Premarital Agreement?

1
DOES EVERYONE GETTING MARRIED NEED A PREMARITAL
AGREEMENT?
A Guide to Understanding When a Prenup Is
Appropriate
2
Not EVERYONE who gets married needs a prenuptial
agreement
3
However, many couples can benefit from a
premarital contract outlining what happens in the
event of a divorce
4
A prenuptial agreement is commonly thought to be
for the wealthy only, but this is simply not true
5
BENEFITS OF A PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT
6
Entering into a prenuptial agreement has many
benefits for a couple who is getting married
7
1
Drafting a prenuptial agreement forces you and
your spouse to think about the what-ifs so you
can plan for the future
8
2
A premarital agreement protects your assets and
your future income
9
3
A premarital agreement can make a divorce easier,
less costly and less acrimonious
10
A PREMARITAL AGREEMENT DOESNT MEAN YOU ARE
THINKING ABOUT DIVORCE
11
Entering into a premarital agreement is smart
advanced planning, just like buying car
insurance or life insurance
12
It doesnt increase the chances of divorce or
mean you arent confident about your marriage
13
It just protects you in the future to ensure your
finances are not destroyed by divorce
14
WHO NEEDS A PREMARITAL AGREEMENT?
15
You may need a premarital agreement if
16
You come into a marriage with family money or
significant assets
You need to protect what you or your family has
worked for
17
You anticipate a large inheritance during your
marriage
18
You or your spouse have children from a prior
marriage
19
There is a significant earning discrepancy
between you and your spouse and you want to
limit your future alimony obligations
20
BUSINESS OWNERS NEED A PREMARITAL AGREEMENT
21
It is especially important for those who own a
business to enter into a premarital agreement
22
Your agreement can make ensure you never have to
give a portion of your business to your spouse
23
If you have a professional license and plan to
start your own practice, it is also important to
limit your spouses rights to your business in
case of a future divorce
24
A PREMARITAL AGREEMENT CAN ALSO DEAL WITH DEBT
ISSUES
25
A premarital agreement doesnt just protect
people with significant assets
26
The prenuptial agreement can also ensure you do
not become responsible for your spouses debts
27
If you or your spouse has large student loans or
other financial obligations, the prenuptial
agreement can make clear who has to pay these
bills in the event if a divorce
28
DECIDING IF YOU NEED A PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT
29
Making the choice about whether you need a
premarital agreement is a personal one
30
Think about what you are willing to risk -
31
TALKING TO YOUR SPOUSE ABOUT A PRENUPTIAL
AGREEMENT
32
You and your spouse should decide together if a
premarital agreement makes sense
33
Discuss the benefits of a premarital agreement
well before the date of your wedding so you have
time to come to an agreement that works for you
34
Get help from an experienced attorney to draft an
agreement that is fair, reasonable, protective of
your interests and enforceable
35
We invite you to contact us at [phone] to
schedule a free consultation