On behalf of The Jacks Law Group posted in prenuptial agreements on Friday, May 1, 2015.
With same-sex marriage cases currently being argued in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, Americans are facing some tough questions about the very purpose of marriage as an institution. Some believe it's primarily about procreation and child rearing. Others say it is an expression of love and commitment. Still others say that traditionally, marriage was about the consolidation of wealth and family inheritance.
The purpose of marriage may be a combination of these factors, and it may also be different for every couple. But as sociologists continue to study marriage and divorce, one thing has become clear: Money is an important issue that cannot be overlooked. If fact, a couple with vastly different views on saving and spending money may be headed for relationship trouble if they cannot reconcile these differences.
For this and other reasons, a prenuptial agreement is a smart move for many couples. These documents have an undeserved reputation as “relationship killers.” But in fact, a prenuptial agreement could actually prevent divorce, because it forces engaged couples to have some honest and perhaps difficult conversations about money before they walk down the aisle.
Many people also dismiss the idea of a prenuptial agreement because it seems to suggest that the couple is expecting to get divorced. But this is also untrue. You don't buy car insurance because you expect to get into a serious auto accident. You don't draft a will because you are expecting to die prematurely. Like insurance, prenuptial agreements simply provide protection and peace of mind in case the unthinkable should happen.
If you are getting married and are considering a prenuptial agreement, please know that you should give yourself and your fiancé plenty of time to discuss the agreement, confer with your own attorneys and sign. This should happen well before the wedding date, if possible. When you're ready to get started, contact an experienced family law attorney in your area.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, “Is a Prenup a Must for Most Couples?” Cheryl L. Young, March 1, 2015