What to Put in a Prenuptial Agreement 

Premarital agreements can be a smart way to protect assets before marriage. They can protect a home from divorce and even protect joint accounts. In addition, a prenuptial agreement can address debts and any children from previous relationships. In this article, we’ll discuss how to draft a prenuptial agreement. 

(Are you looking for a Family Law Attorney? Contact us Today! Click here: Stephanie DeBoer Family Law)

Creating a prenuptial agreement around financial goals 

Creating a prenuptial agreement is a great way to protect your future financially. If you are a stay-at-home parent, a prenuptial agreement is especially important for you. You may have to leave your job after a long marriage, and a prenup may give you the stability you need. 

If you are considering creating a prenuptial agreement, make sure to sit down with your partner to discuss the details of the contract. Ensure that the agreement addresses the financial goals of both parties. 

Including spousal support 

In the event of a divorce, spousal support can help the divorcing spouse get by financially. It can be a temporary or long-term payment. The amount depends on the discretion of the judge. Including spousal support in a prenuptial agreement is an excellent way to limit the amount that is awarded later. However, it should be noted that spousal support is subject to review and can be struck down due to unfairness. 

A prenuptial agreement can include a provision that specifies the amount and duration of spousal support in the event of a divorce. The agreement can also include any conditions that will affect the payments. For instance, it may stipulate that the future spouse will not receive maintenance if the former spouse has committed adultery. It may also stipulate that the spouse will only be required to pay maintenance if the other spouse earns a certain amount of money. 

Addressing debt 

Addressing debt in a prenup can be an important element of a prenuptial agreement. This type of agreement can be beneficial for couples who have significant debt. It can prevent the other party from transferring the debt that the couple has acquired before their marriage. However, it is important to make sure that both parties are on the same page before signing the agreement. 

In a divorce, community property and marital property may be used by creditors to settle debts. For example, a spouse may be held responsible for a student loan if the couple does not pay it off. In this scenario, a prenuptial agreement should state that the other spouse cannot take on any debts until he or she has paid off the debts of the former spouse. 

Addressing children from previous relationships 

A prenuptial agreement is a good way to protect children from previous relationships. Without an agreement, children from previous marriages may not receive any inheritance. In California, for example, community property laws determine who will inherit the estate of a deceased spouse. The surviving spouse will inherit all of the deceased spouse’s assets, so the children in a previous marriage may lose the inheritance. By including a clause in the prenuptial agreement that protects the children, a premarital agreement is a good way to protect your children from being left out of the family estate. 

A prenuptial agreement should address the assets and debts of each partner before the marriage. It may also address debt repayment during the marriage. It is common for a spouse to have the first claim to the assets they have accumulated during their previous relationships. Children from previous relationships should also be protected from marriage by including such provisions in the prenuptial agreement. 

Avoiding duress in drafting a prenuptial agreement 

One of the most important aspects of prenuptial agreements is to avoid duress. Although it is possible to draft the agreement without the help of an attorney, it is usually a better idea to consult one before making the final decision. Additionally, it is best to get the agreement ready at least a couple of months before the wedding date to avoid any legal issues later on. 

Duress occurs when the contracting spouses sign it under pressure. Sometimes this involves threats or even threats of violence. In these cases, the parties involved are likely to discuss their state of mind, which is often a sign of fear and pressure. It is important to note that in most cases, this type of pressure would not be enough to invalidate the prenuptial agreement.