There’s a thin line between love and hate. If you’ve been together for a while and want to tie the knot, it’s critical to think about your future. Marriage isn’t a coffee date. It’s a serious step that each of us takes at some point in life. A prenuptial agreement isn’t about money and real estate. It’s about a peaceful future in case of divorce.
We can’t predict future. Today you love each other, but in 10 years you or your partner may find another love. With a prenuptial agreement, your divorce process will be easier then. Check out the do’s and don’ts of a prenup in order to use this future-planning tool correctly.
1. Don’t: Dwell on your prenup
Many couples focus on their prenuptial agreements more than on their wedding planning. Don’t commit this mistake. Discuss the most important questions. Think rationally. There are many cases when couples break up when carrying out prenuptial agreements. Typically, it’s because of financial obligations, assets and property.
2. Do: Discuss financial obligations
No matter how hard it will be ta talk about money before you tie the knot, you have to think about your financial future. Discuss financial support in case one of you will have to quit a job to stay with children at home. Create the prenup that will ensure your carefree motherhood in case of divorce.
3. Don’t: Have the same lawyer
In order to create a fair prenup, you and your partner should hire two separate lawyers – make sure they don’t know each other. This way, your prenuptial agreement will be absolutely reasonable and both of you will know that a lawyer won’t take anyone’s side.
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4. Do: Suggest a prenuptial agreement
If your partner says nothing about a prenuptial agreement, show initiative and suggest your partner create a fair prenup. He may get angry at first, but try to explain why this agreement is so important to both of you. Prenuptial agreements are absolutely practical. Even the happiest couples choose to protect themselves financially. It’s life. There’s nothing wrong in suggesting a prenuptial agreement.
5. Don’t: Regret
Once you create your prenuptial agreement and sign it, don’t worry about it and don’t regret it. Keep preparing for your wedding and planning your honeymoon. Pretend that you don’t have any agreement. Put it in your drawer or in a safety deposit box so that you won’t see it on a daily basis. Also, don’t turn to your prenup when fighting with your significant other. Casting reproaches upon your partner will cause more problems and might even lead to breakup or divorce.
6. Do: Discuss assets and property
This question must be discussed objectively. Your prenuptial agreement must include the list of property and assets that each of you owns right now. Once you know who owns what, you should decide who will own what in case of divorce. This may seem a bit offensive at first, but it has to be done for the sake of your peaceful and prosperous future.
7. Don’t: Beat about the bush
The earlier you start creating your prenup, the more time you will have for your wedding planning, not to mention that you will avoid extra stress right before your wedding day. If possible, start creating a prenuptial agreement 3-5 months before your big day. Many couple sign prenups a year before the event. Remember, a prenuptial agreement is only valid if it’s signed prior to marriage.
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8. Do: Think thoroughly and speak up
When it comes to prenuptial agreements, couples should take time to think thoroughly about what terms they want to include in their prenups. Don’t just agree to whatever terms are suggested by a lawyer or your partner. You have the right to express your point of view and add whatever you think necessary to your prenuptial agreement. Remember, it concerns your future.
Creating a prenuptial agreement in the midst of your wedding preparation isn’t the most joyful thing to discuss, yet it’s crucially important. Although prenups aren’t used to decide issues of child support and child custody, they are perfect for resolving the financial aspects of a divorce. Hopefully, you won’t face a divorce down the road, but considering a prenup is definitely worth your time and effort.