While it may seem too early to think about divorce if you are getting married, you never know what is ahead of you and your spouse. Whether you can stay married until separated by death or not, it may still be a good idea to have a legal document in place that would protect your rights in the event of divorce. This is what a prenuptial agreement is for.
The family law attorney at E.N. Banks-Ware Law Firm LLC understands the importance of having a prenuptial agreement in place when you get married. Noreen Banks-Ware helps clients plan for their future and protect their rights with a valid and enforceable prenup. With an office in Lithonia, Georgia, attorney Banks-Ware offers family law services to clients in McDonough, Decatur, Lawrenceville, Covington, and Conyers.
What Is a Prenuptial Agreement?
A prenuptial agreement – also known as a prenup – is a legal agreement that a couple enters before they get married. The agreement covers a wide range of issues that the couple may face in the event their marriage ends in divorce. In particular, a prenuptial agreement specifies exactly who owns what and how the couple's property, assets, and finances would be divided if the spouses got divorced.
A typical prenuptial agreement can cover the parties assets and debts to help couples avoid potential disputes and problems down the line. However, a prenup cannot do anything you want. There are certain limitations to be aware of before signing a prenuptial agreement.
Prenups cannot cover the following:
- Child support or alimony arrangements
- Matters related to child custody or visitation
- Division of household duties
- Any provisions prohibited by the law
Once a prenuptial agreement becomes effective, it is not easy to change it, which is why it is critical to read the agreement carefully to understand its terms. Consider contacting a knowledgeable family law attorney to help you draft or review the agreement before you sign anything.
What Are the Benefits of a Prenuptial Agreement?
There are many advantages of signing a prenuptial agreement. Some of the benefits of having a prenup include:
- Transparency and clarity. One of the most prominent advantages of a prenup is that it offers transparency and clarity by laying out clear expectations and protections.
- Security. The sad reality is that many marriages end in divorce, and having a prenuptial agreement is important to get a sense of security, even though you are not planning to divorce your spouse.
- Prevent disputes. A well-drafted prenup can help prevent disputes that may arise between spouses during the marriage or when getting a divorce.
- Protection. A prenuptial agreement can help protect your property and finances from your spouse while protecting you from your spouse's debts.
These are some of the most prominent advantages of having a prenuptial agreement. If you want to learn more about prenups, you may need to get a consultation with an attorney.
What Are the Drawbacks of a Prenuptial Agreement?
While a prenuptial agreement has a number of benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider:
- It is not romantic. A prenuptial agreement is not the most romantic thing to discuss with your soon-to-be spouse before the marriage. Many people are afraid to talk to their partner about a prenup because their partner may think they have doubts about the marriage.
- It is not foolproof. Unfortunately, prenups are not foolproof. There is no guarantee that your spouse is 100% upfront about their assets and finances when drafting a prenuptial agreement.
Creating a prenuptial agreement can be complicated, which is why you may need a skilled family law attorney to guide you through the process and ensure that your rights and best interests are protected.
Contact a Family Law Attorney at E.N. Banks-Ware Law Firm LLC
If you need help understanding the terms of a prenuptial agreement or are not sure if you can benefit from creating a prenup in your particular situation, contact E.N. Banks-Ware Law Firm LLC for a consultation. Attorney Banks-Ware can provide the legal guidance you can trust to help you through this delicate process. Contact Noreen Banks-Ware's office in Lithonia, Georgia, today to discuss your case. Attorney Banks-Ware also serves the following areas of McDonough, Decatur, Lawrenceville, Covington, and Conyer.