It is essential to consider what you want, need, and expect from a marriage before deciding to enter one. A prenuptial agreement – also called a “prenup,” “antenuptial agreement,” or “marital agreement” – is a legally enforceable agreement that outlines the fair and honest expectations you have about your future marriage with your partner. A prenuptial agreement is a contract that outlines the rights and obligations of both parties regarding property, debts, and what happens in the event of divorce, death, or disability. Partners sign this legal document about their future together before tying the knot. Before you get married, it is wise for you to consult a prenuptial agreement attorney.

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An Honest Conversation About Your Future Marriage

A prenuptial agreement starts with an honest discussion about your future marriage. Trust is the foundation of any relationship, but it is natural for people to be apprehensive when discussing sensitive topics such as finances, health, disability, death, and divorce as a future married couple. An honest conversation about your expectations for your future can help you reach a deeper level of trust in each other and ensure that you are both on the same page moving into wedded bliss.

Once you have started this conversation, it is wise to consult a contract lawyer near you with experience drafting prenuptial agreements. Prenuptial agreements are legally enforceable but require more disclosure than nearly any other agreement under Michigan law. An attorney can help you prepare and review material facts such as each party’s:

• Age
• Children
• Physical and mental health
• Educational background
• Income, assets, and liabilities
• Employment status
• Business interests
• Anticipated inheritance
• Financial obligations to a former spouse or child support

A Fair Deal for Both of You

Ultimately, the goal of a prenuptial agreement is to create a fair deal for you and your partner. Fairness requires a deep understanding of each partner’s unique circumstances. A fair deal should also anticipate changes in circumstances, such as new children, substantial gain or loss of income and assets, health problems, an affair, or even death. Although it is impossible to anticipate every change in circumstances, an experienced prenuptial agreement attorney can help you evaluate issues that are most likely to occur and carefully draft an agreement tailored to your unique situation.

With a prenuptial agreement, each partner should lay out fair expectations about which assets are separate property and which assets acquired during the marriage will be shared marital property. These are fundamental decisions that are important for both partners regardless of wealth.

Protect Your Family and Property

Protecting family and property is one of the primary reasons why a couple creates a prenuptial agreement. Each person has unique goals and concerns with family and property. You are the best person to make decisions about your:

• Children
• Home
• Health
• Business
• Investments
• Financial accounts
• Pets

A prenuptial agreement is the tool designed for you to make these decisions with one of the most meaningful relationships in your life. If the marriage does not work out, a fair and well-drafted prenuptial agreement makes divorce less complicated. It can provide peace of mind by protecting your assets and finances from future divorce litigation or other disputes. The strain of divorce can often lead people into debt as they struggle with emotional issues, additional financial burdens, and learning to live day-to-day life again without their partner.

Consult a Prenuptial Agreement Attorney

Before you get married, it is wise for you to consult a prenuptial agreement attorney. A prenuptial agreement is not only for the rich and famous – they are valuable for any couple looking to marry. Your future is in your hands, and you can choose to create a meaningful agreement for your rights, property, and marriage. Evan Ficaj Law Firm can help you make that dream a reality.