More American couples than ever before are drafting prenuptial agreements before they walk down the aisle. If and when they need to execute them, they do. There is nothing wrong with protecting yourself and your assets before entering into the most important yet risky partnership of your life.
Even still, many people aren’t convinced they should agree to a prenup. Although older stigmas are slowly being chipped away, some people feel they are entering their marriage with the wrong mindset if they draft a prenup. Other couples worry that even discussing the possibility of divorce will eventually lead to a breakup. However, prenups can have many benefits, and soon-to-be-married individuals should highly consider them in certain circumstances.
Prenups Are an Investment
Prenuptial agreements can actually be a wise investment. Not only do they outline a couple’s finances, but they can also circumvent an expensive and contentious divorce if the marriage doesn’t work out. They can set the financial tone for the marriage and protect both parties should they decide to split—whether that happens in a few years or decades. Discussing and drafting a prenup is also beneficial, as it can help a couple learn to work together and compromise before entering into marriage.
A prenup can save you thousands of dollars in legal fees if your marriage ends in divorce. It can also prevent a lot of heartache, worry, and sleepless nights since you have already decided how your assets will be split.
Who Should Use a Prenup?
While nearly everyone can benefit from drafting a prenup, some people stand to benefit more from creating one. You should highly consider using a prenuptial agreement if:
- One or both parties were previously married
- One or both parties have children from a past relationship
- One or both parties own a business
- One or both parties need to protect an inheritance
- One or both parties desire for their personal life to remain private
- One party has more money going into the marriage
- One party has more debt going into the marriage
- One party plans on being a stay-at-home parent
With a prenuptial agreement, you can protect what is yours before going into the marriage—whether it’s an inheritance, children, or your business. You can also alleviate some financial responsibilities that you shouldn’t and don’t want to take on, such as your spouse’s children from a past relationship or their debt.
Consider your Prenup Carefully
While it’s generally wise to have a prenup, what is in your prenup can sometimes come back to haunt you. So it’s imperative that you review the terms of your prenup, ensuring you both understand them and can live with them if you need to rely on them one day. If there are terms your future spouse proposes that you disagree with, now is the time to speak up for your rights.
Questions About Prenups? Meet with an Experienced Maryland Prenuptial Agreement Attorney Today
If you have questions about a prenup or are ready to draft one, meeting with an experienced Maryland prenuptial agreement attorney is your next step. An attorney can help ensure you understand how the prenup will work if you get divorced down the road and that your rights are protected.