One issue people often have about pre-nups is, how and when to bring it up with your life partner? The answer is, sooner is usually better than later, and gingerly. Talk to them honestly and openly about why you feel this will be good for you as a couple. Wanting a pre-nup has nothing to do with thinking that the marriage is going to fail, and everything to do with being smart and sensible in the marriage. Take a look at this article from NPR’s LifeKit on pre-nups.
Why Might Couples Choosing To Get Married Opt For A Prenuptial Agreement (Or Pre-Nup)?
- To protect themselves financially. Of course no one enters a marriage thinking it’s going to fail, and yet, in New Jersey, according to U.S. News & World Report, approximately 5 couples out of every 1,000 get divorced. No one wants to fight over money when a divorce happens, and a pre-nup can help you avoid some of those fights. Sometimes people don’t realize that a pre-nup can apply to debt, as well, not just assets. You may want to utilize a pre-nup so you’re not saddled with your spouse’s pre-marital debt if your marriage does not survive.
- To protect themselves emotionally. Acrimony and bitterness are not surprising feelings as a marriage breaks down, and while a pre-nup might not be able to help you avoid every unpleasant thought, it can help to lessen the blow. By deciding key issues now, you may be able to deal with the future less from your heart, and more from your head. If you do get divorced, a pre-nup can help it be more amicable.
- To protect the marriage. A pre-nup doesn’t have to be for divorce; it can help during the marriage. Various questions— What state are we going to live in? How much are we each contributing to the running of the household? How much are we each contributing to the kids’ higher education— can be factored into a pre-nup and may even make for honest and healthy discussion.
If you’re thinking of a pre-nup in New Jersey, reach out to a family law lawyer at O’Cathain Law Group and schedule a consultation. We’re experienced and dedicated prenuptial agreement lawyers who know how to protect you, and help you Move Forward.
What Are The Conditions For Pre-Nups To Be Valid In New Jersey?
- A pre-nup must be a written document, as opposed to an oral agreement. Your dedicated family law team will design the pre-nup that best fits your desires, goals and needs.
- Both parties must willingly sign the pre-nup and cannot be coerced into doing so.
- The pre-nup must be relatively fair to both parties for the court to uphold it.
- All asset and liabilities must be fully disclosed. Simply put, you cannot hide money or debt from a prenuptial agreement.
- Both parties and their counsel must have time to properly review the pre-nup.
Marriage is more than just two people falling in love. It’s a daily contract that encompasses everything from finances to children, from coffee in the morning to lights out at night. A pre-nup can preemptively shore up your marriage and protect against the storms to come. Call (848) 356 – 4405 today or fill out the form at the bottom of our website.