Pre Nuptial Agreements

Orange County ◦ Riverside County Prenuptial Agreements Attorney

Perhaps because a prenuptial agreement includes discussion of the possibility of a divorce down the road, it is difficult for some engaged couples to discuss the pros and cons of a prenup objectively. One spouse or the other may feel that a prenuptial agreement amounts to, in essence, a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The Maggio Law Firm, however, advises clients and potential clients of the value of well-thought-out premarital agreements. In fact, we recommend them as part of a complete preparation for marriage or remarriage, especially when a couple is older, when children from previous marriages are part of the total picture, or when one party brings considerably more assets to the marriage than their fiancé/fiancée.

Contact our law firm to discuss the benefits of a prenuptial agreement. Many engaged couples find such a discussion to be a useful premarital financial planning vehicle.

Post-nuptial agreements (formed after the parties have married) may be appropriate in special circumstances such as the following:

• One partner or another is starting a business or making investments that the couple desires to keep separate from marital property
• A separated or alienated couple wishes to reconcile with certain conditions spelled out
• A divorce looms on the horizon, but the spouses in a marriage agree to postpone the divorce for a long period of time — perhaps until children leave the home, for example
• One spouse or the other is about to receive a large inheritance or other windfall

Preparing a prenup is a useful exercise for many engaged couples. In fact, many people consider a prenuptial agreement to be akin to an insurance policy against a possible future disaster such as an unanticipated marital breakup.

Even if you decide not to sign a prenuptial agreement, you and your fiancé/fiancée should find it enlightening to learn in as much detail as possible all the legal rights and mutual responsibilities that go along with a marriage.

If you are concerned about protecting assets in anticipation of marriage or in consideration of the possibility of a divorce or reconciliation after a separation, contact an experienced family law attorney regarding prenuptial or post-nuptial agreements.