Prenuptial agreements: you’ve probably heard the term several times before when it comes to celebrities or even something your parents talked to you about. If you have accumulated assets that are important to you, it might be a good idea to learn more about a prenuptial agreement. For instance, if a cabin in your family has been passed down for generations and you just acquired it or you’ve made a lot of money due to investments or savvy financial knowledge, those are all things that are important to protect. Marriage is wonderful, but if you’ve been married previously or you have children from another marriage a prenuptial agreement isn’t a bad idea. Lopez & Wilmert, LLP, a family law firm in the La Mesa, CA, area, fortunately, can help you learn more about prenuptial agreements and how beneficial they might be for you. Talk to a family lawyer at Lopez & Wilmert.
What Is A Prenuptial Agreement?
First of all, getting married is a fantastic time in your life, and many couples are reluctant to learn about prenuptial agreements because they believe it shows a lack of faith and trust in one another. Couples also believe that prenuptial agreements are unromantic, but don’t let these reasons guide you. The future isn’t guaranteed, and if you have important assets, take the time to at least learn about a prenuptial agreement so you can protect them. A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract created by a couple prior to marriage. A prenuptial agreement, or a prenup, will address issues about property bought and acquired before the marriage. A prenuptial agreement also details what the property and asset rights may be if the couple should divorce.
Why Do You Need A Prenuptial Agreement?
You’ve probably heard in the news or in gossip magazines about the prenup agreements celebrities require of their spouses, but a prenup is not only for people who are wealthy. They are for those who want to protect their assets and outline expectations during the marriage and what could happen if the expectations are not met. If you are planning on getting married, it’s a good idea to sign a prenuptial agreement. By signing a prenuptial agreement, you’ll be able to have control of your financial future and even the peace of mind if something were to happen. You need a prenuptial agreement if you plan on owning property together, if one spouse gives up a career to raise the child, or you receive income from another a former spouse. It’s also good to put the expectations of your marriage in a prenup because you are able to outline the ramifications if something were to happen. Prenups aren’t about trust; they’re about what’s best for you.
What Will A Prenuptial Agreement Save You From?
A prenup may save you from having to struggle through a messy divorce, it may protect your assets, protect you from going into debt, and keep your peace of mind. You likely hear and read about many divorces in our society from celebrities to your own friends. Prenups might not be the most romantic agreement to sign before you get married to the love of your life, but it will protect you if something were to happen. Look at Sandra Bullock and Jessie James. In their prenup, it stated that if he were to cheat on her he wouldn’t be entitled to any of her assets, and he wasn’t. True, celebrities might have more money than you, but you could also be in the same situation, and you’d have to be dividing your own belongings with someone who broke your heart.
Are There Limitations To A Prenuptial Agreement?
Yes, there are. Prenuptial agreements are unable to supervise child custody or support. In addition, when it comes to children the court uses its discretion to figure out the best interests of the child. When it comes to prenuptial agreements, children are left to the court’s authority.
To learn more about prenuptial agreements, contact a family law attorney today. At Lopez & Wilmert, we have your interests at heart and want to ensure you have all of the information needed to decide on a prenuptial agreement.