Benefits of a Premarital Agreement
If you are getting married soon or have gotten married recently, you may be wondering about whether you should get a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. While creating such a contract might not seem like the most romantic way to begin your marriage, it is likely one of the smartest ways to prepare for married life. Having a marital agreement in place can give you peace of mind, knowing that if for whatever reason, your marriage does not work out, you are well protected. If you are worried about having an unfair agreement used against you in the future, or if your spouse is trying to force you to sign an agreement that heavily favors them, you should know that there are laws protecting you. A qualified Kane County, IL, premarital agreements attorney can help you create a contract that protects you - without causing unnecessary conflict in your marriage
How a Prenuptial or Postnuptial Contract Can Protect You
Creating a premarital agreement is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your property before entering a marriage. Some benefits of using a prenuptial or postnuptial contract include:
- Protecting your separate property - It is very easy for spouses to enter a marriage owning assets of their own and then inadvertently donate those assets to the marriage. For example, you might use your personal savings to finance the purchase of a marital home. Using a prenuptial agreement, you can set aside certain assets that you would keep for yourself if you ever got divorced.
- Preventing alimony disputes - You and your spouse can agree that if you get divorced, one of you will pay spousal maintenance to the other. Or, you can agree that no one would pay alimony, giving you the freedom to leave the marriage without fear of long-term financial consequences. If you are going to give up your career to become a homemaker or stay-at-home parent, having your spouse agree to pay spousal maintenance can protect you in the event of a divorce. Note that this provision may not be enforced if not receiving alimony would be drastically unjust and leave one party destitute.
- Financial security in the event of a death - You can agree that each of you will carry life insurance or create an estate plan to protect each other should one of you pass away during your marriage.
There are few real risks of using a premarital agreement, and many benefits
Contact a Batavia, IL, Premarital Agreements Attorney
Van Larson Law, P.C., is skilled in helping newlyweds and soon-to-be spouses create marital agreements in a peaceful and cooperative manner. Our experienced Kane County, IL, prenuptial and postnuptial contracts lawyers will strive to protect you in every possible way during the process. Contact us at 630-879-9090 to receive a complimentary consultation